Phoolka not to leave riot victim cases; offers to surrender minister status

Chandigarh, July 6 : Aam Aadmi Party leader HS Phoolka has chosen the cause of the 1984 anti-Sikh riot victims over his cabinet minister rank being the Leader of Opposition in Punjab. In a tweet on Thursday, he said, “Will not give up 84 carnage cases. Asking Bar Council if by giving up Minister status I can appear in these cases.”
The Delhi Bar Council had disallowed Phoolka to appear for the victims in several cases against Congress leader Sajjan Kumar and others.
The Council said Phoolka was a cabinet minister, which is an office of profit. The cabinet minister status provides Rs 2 lakh salary and perks per month, and is given to the Leader of Opposition in a state Assembly.
Phoolka had been facing a dilemma for the past few days as he could not leave the victims in the lurch nor could he leave the Leader of Opposition role as the AAP was the only one to take on the ruling party in the Assembly.
Phoolka and his men were marshalled out of the House also. His leaving the post at this juncture can cause a power struggle in the AAP Legislature Party of 18 MLAs. No other leader enjoys support and confidence of all MLAs. “I have requested the Bar Council to let me appear as I am willing to leave my cabinet status. Nothing is dearer to me than getting justice for the riot victims,” he told The Tribune.