Talwandi Sabo/ Bathinda (August 08, 2014): Punjabi singer, Balkar Sidhu, who had rebelled against the Aam Aadmi Party (AAP)’s decision to replace him with Prof. Baljinder Kaur for Talwandi Sabo by-polls, has been ousted from the Aam Aadmi Party by disciplinary committee. The committee had unanimously cancelled primary membership of Balkar Sidhu along with Sandeep Handa of Faridkot who had been supporting Balkar in his rebellion from AAP.
Bhagwant Mann, party MP from Sangrur, who had earlier convinced AAP high-command to award party ticket to Balkar Sidhu, was reportedly trying to convince him (Balkar Sidhu) to withdraw his nomination from Talwandi Sabo. Notably, Balkar had filed his papers in poll fury as an independent candidate after his ticket was cancelled by AAP.
“I shall to my best to convince Balkar Sidhu to withdraw his candidature”, Bhagwant Mann said few days ago.
He had even appreciated Balkar Sidhu’s statement that he would win Talwandi Sabo seat for AAP convenor Arvind Kejriwal.
Since, the time to withdraw nominations has already elapsed, and Balkar Sidhu has been ousted from AAP, Bhagwant Mann has also changed his tone. In a recent Facebook post Bhagwant Mann sought support for Prof. Baljinder Kaur.
Meanwhile, there are reports that Balkar Sidhu’s candidature would adversely affect the winning/ fighting prospects of Prof. Baljinder Kaur. Balkar Sidhu’s rebellion may befit AAP’s opponents.
By-poll is scheduled to be held at Talwandi Sabo, along with Patiala, on August 21.