The u-turn: Binny cancels fast, serves 10-day ultimatum to AAP

Amidst high drama at Jantar Mantar, expelled Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) MLA Vinod Kumar Binny took a u-turn by serving a 10-day ultimatum to the AAP-government to fulfill the pre-election promises the party had made to Delhiites. Binny, who had threatened to start an indefinite fast on Monday claimed to kick-off a nation-wide struggle against the government from February 7 in case his demands aren’t met.

Flanked by supporters from India Against Corruption (IAC) and AAP’s splinter group Bharatiya Aam Aadmi Parivaar (BAAP), Binny claimed to have met Lieutenant Governor Najeeb Jung to apprise him about his plans, who according to him, advised him otherwise. He further said he had also spoken to social activist Anna Hazare about his decision and claimed that Hazare shared Jung’s views.

“Advising me against my decision, Jung told me, ‘I am not saying this as the L-G but as someone who’s elder to you. You are going to sit on an indefinite fast for 10-15 days, what are you going to get?’” said Binny while addressing his supporters.

Binny accused the party of having cheated the voters. He further pressed that he was giving “10 more days to the government” to fulfill all the promises made to the people of Delhi prior to the assembly elections including the Jan Lokpal Bill, women’s security, availability of water, etc.

 He also denied having received any letter regarding his expulsion from the party and demanded a referendum on the issue. “I have not received any letter regarding my expulsion from the party. You claim to consult the people on every issue. It would have been better if you had consulted the people on my expulsion as well”, said Binny as he continued targeting the AAP.

He was also supported by members of the All Guest Teachers Association (AGTA) sitting on a dharna outside the Delhi Secretariat for more than two weeks. “We will stand besides anybody who supports our cause. Binny has promised to support our demand for permanent posts in government schools and hence we are here to support him”, said Aarti Rana, one of the members of the AGTA.