EC's recommendation to disqualify MLAs a conspiracy: AAP

New Delhi: Soon after the Election Commission (EC) on Friday found 20 Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) MLAs guilty of holding office of profit, the party alleged there was a political conspiracy behind the recommendation for their disqualification.

"This recommendation has been made by the Election Commission without hearing the arguments of MLAs on the allegation of holding office of profit," AAP's chief spokesperson Saurabh Bhardwaj told media persons here.

He said Chief Election Commissioner Achal Kumar Joti, a retired 1975-batch IAS officer who was Gujarat Chief Secretary when Narendra Modi was the Chief Minister there, is 'paying back' to the Prime Minister.

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Bhardwaj said that hearing was conducted in the case based on the accusation that AAP legislators were unconstitutionally appointed as Parliamentary Secretaries to assist various Ministers of Delhi government and not in the case of holding office of profit.

"Someone randomly complained against our MLAs, saying they are holding office of profit. The MLAs haven't been given even the chance to present their case before the Commission."

"If there is a case with regard to holding office of profit, the MLAs must have profited. Why don't they ask the general public in their respective constituencies whether these MLAs own any bungalows, have any government vehicles," he asked.