‘Giant-killer’ brought down by corruption charges

Asim, who belongs to a business family, had joined the party ahead of the parliamentary polls in 2014.  He had contested the municipal corporation elections in 2012.

The MLA is also a member of the minority wing of the AAP. Sources said when Kejriwal was looking for a minority face in his cabinet, Asim had an edge over Imran Hussain – Asim’s replacement – as he came across as “more sophisticated” and “well-spoken”. Even as the CM Friday made an example of the tainted minister, senior leaders said that it was saddening to find a “bright, young boy” like Asim falling prey to the lure of money. They said no one in the party had “expected” it.

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In response to former AAP member Prashant Bhushan’s tweet, senior leaders maintained that Asim had been a popular face in the political circles of Old Delhi. Bhushan had tweeted, “Instead of claiming credit for removing his corrupt minister, AK should say why such defectors were given tickets and promptly made ministers”.

When he joined the party and was later inducted into the cabinet, not one member raised objections. “That in itself shows that no aspersions were cast on his political background or integrity,” said a leader.

While Asim always kept a low profile, he ended up making the headlines for all the wrong reasons. He was attacked by the Opposition when the prices of onions and pulses shot up a month ago.

When the Delhi government procured onions from government agencies other than NAFED, the opposition alleged a scam in procurement of the food item. Asim, however, staunchly denied the charges.