Kejriwal pays tribute to Mahatma Gandhi at Rajghat, reiterates ‘satyagraha’ stand in excise policy case

NEW DELHI: Aam Aadmi Party national convener Arvind Kejriwal on Tuesday visited Rajghat in the national capital and paid tribute to Mahatma Gandhi.He was accompanied by former Delhi deputy chief minister Manish Sisodia, leader of opposition Atishi and other party leaders, amid his announcement of a boycott in proceedings related to the Delhi Excise Policy case.The development comes after Kejriwal on Monday said that he would neither appear in person nor be represented by a lawyer in the Delhi high court proceedings linked to the case, alleging bias and conflict of interest. Speaking to reporters, he said he respects the judiciary and the legal system, noting his earlier relief from courts.“It is a matter related to the court. We respect the courts and the legal system of our country because the judiciary acquitted us and also granted us bail. I am having to do this ‘satyagrah’ due to some circumstances which have emerged now. I have expressed these circumstances in my letter to the judge,” he said, news agency PTI reported.The former Delhi chief minister also cited alleged ideological bias and conflict of interest, claiming the judge had links with organisations associated with RSS ideology and pointing to the involvement of Solicitor General Tushar Mehta in the case.Earlier, senior AAP leader Manish Sisodia also wrote to Justice Swarna Kanta Sharma stating he would not be represented by any lawyer in the matter. “From my side as well, no lawyer will appear. The future of your children is in the hands of Tushar Mehta ji. In such a situation, I do not expect justice from you. I have no option left except Satyagraha,” Sisodia said in his letter, according to party sources.