Kapil Mishra: Still an MLA Despite Leaving AAP?

Kapil Mishra, a former Member of the Legislative Assembly (MLA) and a prominent figure in the Aam Aadmi Party (AAP), has been making headlines for his recent political affiliations and actions. Despite leaving the AAP to join the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP), Mishra remains an MLA as the rules governing political parties and resigned members in the Delhi Assembly are still unclear.

The Fall of a Political Star

Kapil Mishra, who was closely associated with Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal and part of the AAP's inner circle, previously attacked Kejriwal publicly, accusing him of corruption. This led to a bitter parting with the AAP. Even before his official departure from the party, Mishra's attacks against Kejriwal intensified. He began campaigning for BJP candidates in the last national election and officially joined the BJP in August.

Mishra's political shift was marked by a significant shift in his public image. From someone who was doted upon by Kejriwal to one of the harshest critics, Mishra's sudden change in allegiance sparked discussions about loyalty and political strategies in Delhi's political landscape.

BJP's Strategy: Naming Mishra as a Candidate

Recently, the BJP named Mishra as the candidate from Model Town in North Delhi for the upcoming election. This move pits him against his former colleague and two-time AAP legislator, Akhilesh Pati Tripathi. The Delhi Assembly elections are scheduled for February 8, with results to be announced on February 11.

Although Mishra's abrupt change of allegiance garnered significant attention, several questions remain regarding his status as an MLA. The Aam Aadmi Party has filed a complaint with the Chief Election Officer, arguing that Mishra's nomination should be canceled.

According to party rules, anyone who has used government accommodation must submit a 'no-dues certificate' for water, electricity, and telephone expenses. However, Mishra has not included any such documentation in his papers, leading to further scrutiny and potential legal challenges.

Legality and Party Dynamics

Legally, Mishra's position as an MLA is unclear. Until he submits a resignation to the speaker and the resignation is accepted, he remains an MLA of the AAP. However, politically, he is considered a rebel within the party.

Technically, Mishra can only lose his seat as an MLA if he resigns from the Delhi Assembly or is expelled by his party. Currently, he has neither resigned nor been expelled. As a suspended member of AAP, he is still bound by the whip issued by the party. This means that if the AAP issues any whip, Mishra is expected to follow it.

Even if he is expelled from the party, Mishra would continue to be an independent MLA until the assembly is dissolved. This situation highlights the complex and often unclear dynamics within political parties, especially when it comes to resignations and expulsions.

The Larger Context: Delhi Assembly Elections 2023

The upcoming Delhi Assembly elections are a significant event for both the AAP and the BJP. The AAP, which won 67 out of 70 seats in the previous election, is eyeing a repeat of its successful performance. However, the BJP is confident about exploiting anti-incumbency against Arvind Kejriwal's party, given its poor performance in the past five years.

While Mishra's case adds a layer of complexity to the race, the focus remains on the broader political landscape of Delhi. The results of the election will provide a clear indication of how the political tide is shifting in the region.

Conclusion

The question of whether Kapil Mishra is still an MLA remains open, pending legal and party actions. However, his actions have undoubtedly stirred a political firestorm and led to increased scrutiny of both the AAP and BJP. As the Delhi Assembly elections draw closer, Mishra's case is just one of many intriguing stories that will shape the political narrative in the capital.