Act against Smriti Irani within 72 hours, or face nationwide protests: AAP’s warning to Centre

New Delhi: The Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) on Thursday launched a scathing attack on Union Education Minister Smriti Irani, demanding Prime Minister Narendra Modi to take strict action against her within 72 hours.

Delhi minister Jitender Singh Tomar was arrested on charges of faking degree, earlier this month. The party has also threatened to launch nationwide protests if action was not taken against Irani in the next three days.

AAP leader Ashutosh also demanded the resignation of Foreign Minister Sushma Swaraj and Rajasthan Chief Minister Vasundhara Raje, for their involvement in the controversial Lalit Modi visa controversy.

Earlier, the party had questioned the Prime Minister’s silence on the simmering issue.

“We give an ultimatum of 72 hours to the government for action against them. We had hoped Smriti Irani would be arrested by this morning, however that did not happen. We will hold demonstrations across the country if action is not taken against him in the next three days,” he said.

“His silence is making him Manmohan Singh part 2,” added Ashutosh.

On Wednesday, a Delhi court took cognisance of a complaint filed against Irani for allegedly giving false information about her educational qualification.

The complaint was filed by freelance writer Ahmer Khan, who alleged that Irani, in her three affidavits before the Election Commission (EC) while filing nominations for her candidature for Lok Sabha as well as Rajya Sabha polls, had purportedly given different details about her educational qualification.

The court had on June 1 reserved the order on the plea after hearing arguments on the aspect of limitation and whether cognisance of the complaint could be taken or not.

Earlier this month, AAP faced a huge embarrassment after Jitender Tomar was accused of forging his college documents. He, however, has denied all such claims.