March 18, 2018 | By Sikh Siyasat Bureau
Chandigarh: Aam Aadmi Party supremo Arvind Kejriwal’s decision to seek unconditional apology from Shiromani Akali Dal (Badal) leader Bikram Singh Majithia for allegations levelled against him during election campaign in Punjab has further deepened the troubles of the Aam Aadmi Party.
It is learnt that a section of Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) MLAs in Punjab, including Leader of the Opposition Sukhpal Singh Khaira, Kanwar Sandhu and HS Phoolka, has decided to stay away from a meeting called by Punjab affairs incharge Manish Sisodia in Delhi on Sunday. They are considering forming a regional party, if need be.
A report in The Tribune (TT) notes, “One of the MLAs, who did not want to be named, said 14 MLAs, led by Khaira and Sandhu, were of the view that the only option before them was to quit AAP and form a political outfit to safeguard Punjab’s interests”.
The media report quote “sources” while reporting that “Talwandi Sabo MLA Baljinder Kaur, Kotkapura MLA Kultar Singh Sandhwan and Sunam MLA Aman Arora had rejected the idea of a new party, Sarabjit Kaur Manuke, Jagraon MLA, and Amarjeet Singh Sandoa, who represents Ropar, had sought more time to decide. Dirba MLA Harpal Singh Cheema did not attend the MLAs’ meeting”.
Journalist turned politician Kanwar Sandhu, the party MLA from Kharar, in a statement, claimed they had in December last year asked the leadership to allow autonomy to state units. “The proposal on autonomy, if implemented in toto, can avert a split in the party. Khaira too is on board on this.
“It should be full autonomy, which means the state unit should have its own constitution, membership, structure, funding and manifesto. We will have our own president and working committee,” he said.
Lawyer cum politician H S Phoolka, AAP MLA from Dakha, urged party legislators to seek “autonomy” for the state unit rather than setting up a separate outfit. This, he said, would serve the state’s interests best. “In Punjab matters, total independence and on national issues, go by national leadership,” he tweeted.
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Related Topics: Aam Aadmi Party, Arvind Kejriwal, Kanwar Sandhu, Punjab Politics, Sukhpal Kaira, Sukhpal SIngh Khaira