Kejriwal, Sisodia patronised Tahir Hussain, must respond: Delhi CM after ex-councillor's conviction

New Delhi, Jul 14 (PTI) Delhi Chief Minister Rekha Gupta on Tuesday accused the Aam Aadmi Party of providing "political patronage and protection" to Tahir Hussain who was convicted in connection with a 2020 Delhi riot case a day ago. AAP leaders Arvind Kejriwal, Sanjay Singh and Manish Sisodia are answerable for the "political conspiracy", Gupta said in the wake of the former AAP councillor's conviction. "Aam Aadmi Party leadership must explain its political association with and patronage to a person who has been found guilty of instigating the Delhi riots, murder and widespread violence," she said. With Hussain's conviction, victims of the riots and others affected by it have got justice, she told reporters. During the Delhi riots, the national capital witnessed a horrific phase of violence, stone-pelting and lawlessness, in which many people lost their lives and numerous families were affected, she said and added several unanswered questions persist in the minds of the people. "There must be accountability to the people of Delhi and that those responsible for the riots should be punished in accordance with the law," she said and emphasised ensuring justice and preventing recurrence of the incident in future remain the government's priority. Earlier in the day, Kejriwal hit out at the BJP for linking Hussain with the AAP and said he was expelled from the party long ago and he later joined the AIMIM. Gupta later said, "AAP extended protection and political patronage to Tahir Hussain who caused pain to thousands." "Kejriwal, Sanjay Singh and Manish Sisodia are answerable to the people of Delhi. A political conspiracy was hatched and the people will never forgive them," the chief minister added. A Delhi court on Monday convicted ex-AAP councillor Tahir Hussain and four others for the killing of Intelligence Bureau officer Ankit Sharma during the 2020 northeast Delhi riots. PTI VIT VN VN