AAP accuses BJP of trying to 'finish' party after Vigilance Department fires Kejriwal's private secretary

Bibhav Kumar, the personal secretary of jailed Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal, was fired by the Directorate of Vigilance of the Government of Delhi on Thursday (Apr 11).

The Vigilance Department order

"Consequent upon the resignation of the Council of Ministers notified vide dated 14.02.2020 the term of the government has ended, and being a coterminous officer, the appointment of Bibhav Kumar will also have to be terminated," read the order.

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"However, in terms of DOPT OM dated 26.05.2014, the personal staff of the outgoing Minister can continue to hold their post for a period not exceeding 15 days," it added.

#BREAKING: Jailed Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal's personal assistant, Bibhav Kumar, has been terminated from his services by the Directorate of Vigilance Department for obstructing Government work and threatening a public servant in Noida, UP in 2007. pic.twitter.com/DKM9Jn42qy — Aditya Raj Kaul (@AdityaRajKaul) April 11, 2024

The order adds that since the "honourable CM" wants Kumar to continue working with him as his personal secretary, "to consider his fresh appointment, the earlier term of coterminous appointment shall have to be terminated first."

"Hence, the services of Bibhav Kumar may be terminated wef 16.02.2020 (A/N) and thereafter, his appointment as Private Secretary to CM wef 17.02.2020 (F/N) may be considered."

AAP reacts

Slamming the Narendra Modi-led Bharatiya Janata Party over Bibhav Kumar's termination, AAP party leader Jasmine Shah alleged that democracy is being dismantled in the national capital.

Calling the Delhi liquor case "fake", Shah alleged that the sole aim of BJP was to "finish AAP".

"First the Delhi CM is arrested in the fake Delhi liquor case. Now, the LG has started sacking his entire staff including his Pvt Secretary. There is no doubt left that BJP's sole aim is to finish AAP. Democracy is being dismantled in the national capital," said Shah, as quoted by media reports.

The termination comes after the Enforcement Directorate on Monday (Apr 8) questioned Bibhav Kumar along with AAP MLA Durgesh Pathak, in connection with the money-laundering case linked to the excise policy. Arvind Kejriwal has been in judicial custody since March 21. His remand is set to continue until April 15.

(With inputs from agencies)