Though Congress is lending outside support to the AAP, but its MlAs and leaders were conspicuous by their absence during the swearing-in ceremony at Ramlila Maidan. The BJP legislative Party leader Dr Harsh Vardhan and party MlA Saheb Singh Chouhan and lone MlA of Janata Dal (United) Shoaib Iqbal was present during the swearing-in ceremony. Besides, there were a large number of bureaucrats of Delhi Government present.
When asked, newly elected Delhi Congress president Arvinder Singh lovely said he was busy with foundation function of the party. “The Congress is also celebrating its foundation day on December 28. The party has celebrated its 128 years across the city. There were functions at AICC headquarters and Delhi Congress headquarters on Saturday,” said lovely, adding that there was no invitation to attend the swearing-in function at Ramlila Maidan. A Congress MlA said on condition of anonymity that they have deliberately decided not to attend the swearing-in. “We are giving support from outside. It does not mean we need to attend the swearing-in as well,” he said.
Vardhan who was present along with senior party leader Saheb Singh Chouhan at Ramlila said it’s a protocol as leader of BJP legislative Party to attend the function. “It’s also a general courtesy,” said Vardhan, adding they have not restricted any MlA from attending the function. “It is ridiculous that Congress has boycotted the function. They should not boycott the function if they are supporting AAP from outside,” said Vardhan.