File photo: Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kewjriwal with Asim Ahmed Khan (second from right).
Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal today sacked its food and environment minister in a press conference over charges of corruption. In response, Asim Ahmed Khan has alleged conspiracy by political rivals and has said he will reveal about it tomorrow.
Mr Khan had been accused of "nexus with a builder," Mr Kejriwal said, playing an audio recording of what he said was part of a one-hour conversation between the minister and the builder. The Chief Minister said he would ask for a CBI inquiry, while he sacked the minister on live TV. Mr Khan is alleged to have demanded a bribe of Rs 6 lakh from the builder.
Claiming innocence, Mr Khan said that the purported audio clip featuring his conversation with a builder may have been around "issues of business".
"There is a big conspiracy against me by the Opposition. I am businessman and the conversation, which I have not heard yet, may have been on issues of trade," he told reporters.
Mr Khan said that he sent his resignation when the government asked him to do so around 3.30 PM.
"I do not have all the details but I am surprised and shocked by the decision. Our party's image is clean and it takes action against persons who have allegations against them," he said.