AAP spokesman Ashutosh defends Sandeep, says sex was consensual

NEW DELHI: Aam Aadmi Party leader Ashutosh on Friday defended former Delhi minister Sandeep Kumar who was sacked over a sex tape controversy, saying the video showed “two adults with their consent indulging in sex” and that public figures are entitled to private space.

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The remark comes two days after Kumar was sacked by chief minister Arvind Kejriwal who said the party “stands for propriety in public life”.

Ashutosh, who goes by only one name, wrote a blog post that said AAP is a “party which is in the business of perception management, which vouched for the character of its leaders while admitting them as members, had no other option” but to sack Kumar.

Ashutosh cited former prime ministers, Jawaharlal Nehru and Atal Bihari Vajpayee, to drive home his point and said “juicy gossip” did not affect political careers.

The journalist-turned-politician also questioned media houses, saying :“… why should this sex video be discussed at all? Why should it be made public? Why should it be linked to the character of the man and the party? Why should it create headlines? What wrong has the man done?”

The video showed the social welfare and women and child development minister being intimate with two women. Opposition parties also attacked the AAP over the controversy and the difference of opinion regarding it among AAP leaders.