AAP dismisses claim cops asked to keep media away from CM

Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal’s aides on Wednesday dismissed claims that the city police has been asked keep mediapersons away from him during the rally against land bill.

“It is funny that news is being spread that Arvind does not want the media around,” Aam Aadmi Party leader Ashutosh said.

He was referring to news reports that a request was made to Delhi police in this regard but it was turned down by the police. Sources in Chief Minister’s office said the reports were “nonsense”.

Delhi police, on its part, said that it cannot stop mediapersons from covering any public gathering but did not say if such a request had been made to it. Police Commissioner BS Bassi said the police don’t disclose such communication as these are “privileged”.

He said the police can’t restrict “identified media persons” from covering any public gathering.

“Communication which takes place between government agencies and police is privileged. So, I won’t like to discuss it. But as far as media is concerned, personnel from media, if they are identified, can go to (cover) any public function,” Bassi said.

Reacting to the claims that Kejriwal could be trying to evade media due to the unrest in the party, Ashutosh said, “Does anybody asks why the prime minister never takes questions.”

AAP had on Monday expelled dissidents Yogendra Yadav, Prashant Bhushan, Anand Kumar and Ajit Jha for gross indiscipline and anti-party activities.

Labelling the Centre’s land acquisition bill as “anti-farmers”, the AAP is holding a rally at Jantar Mantar on Wednesday.