NEW DELHI : Arvind Kejriwal’s Law Minister Somnath Bharti, widely criticised for a controversial raid targeting African nationals in his constituency, today responded to President Pranab Mukherjee’s comments against “populist anarchy” with a sharp retort citing the riots of 1984 and 2002.
“If AAP actions were Anarchy, what would Hon President consider 1984 and 2002 riots as? Agitation? Lol. A good joke Mr President !!!.kamdar,” Mr Bharti tweeted.
His comment seemed inspired by a similar response from filmmaker Shekhar Kapur, who tweeted on Sunday, “Dear Mr President. Activism n Anarchy r not the same. Anarchy was 1984 when mobs went on rampage killing Sikhs. Provoked by State n Police.” Mr Kejriwal also referred to this tweet when asked to respond to the President’s veiled criticism.
Mr Mukherjee, in his Republic Day address to the nation on Saturday, said in what was seen as a dig at Mr Kejriwal and his AAP that “populist anarchy is no substitute for governance.”
Mr Kejriwal, who attended the President’s annual “At-Home” party on Sunday evening, said, “This is one view which was expressed by the President. There should be an open discussion and debate on it. This will also be healthy for our democracy.”
The unusually political statement by the President apparently referred to the Chief Minister’s 33-hour protest against the city’s police near Delhi’s India Gate and Rajpath, the venue of the Republic Day parade. The protest ended with Mr Kejriwal accepting what was seen as a facesaver – the Lieutenant Governor’s promise to fast-track action against police officers who had refused to make arrests ordered by AAP ministers including Mr Bharti.
AAP stood by Mr Bharti in the face of strong demands for his removal after his midnight raid, in which he is seen on camera arguing with police officers and ordering them to arrest Ugandan women he accused of trafficking drugs and sex.

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