Tarn Taran: Discontent brews in AAP over bypoll ticket to Harmit Singh Sandhu

All possibilities have arisen of a revolt by the leaders and rank and file of the Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) against the possible decision of the party high command to nominate Harmit Singh Sandhu as the party candidate for Tarn Taran Assembly by-election. The seat fell vacant with the death of AAP MLA Dr Kashmir Singh Sohal. Akali leader Harmit Singh Sandhu, the three-time MLA from Tarn Taran, had joined AAP soon after the Bhog ceremony of sitting AAP MLA Dr Kashmir Singh Sohal and immediately started his preparations for the bypoll.

A number of AAP leaders who are aspirants for the AAP ticket along with the other office-bearers of the party visited the holy Darbar Sahib, Tarn Taran, on Friday night and after performing Ardas, warned the party high command that they would not abide by its decision in case Harmit Singh Sandhu is nominated as the party candidate for Tarn Taran Assembly by-election. The leaders, Gursewak Singh Aulakh, Komalpreet Singh (PA to late MLA Dr Kashmir Singh Sohal), Gurdev Singh Sandhu, along with a number of municipal councillors and Sarpanches from different villages, beside other party office-bearers, discussed the Tarn Taran Assembly bypoll. The leaders said in one voice that they must oppose the party decision in case Harmit Singh Sandhu is nominated as the party candidate for the Tarn Taran by-election. They said that one of them may jump into the fray as an independent candidate to oppose Harmit Singh Sandhu.

On the other hand, Harmit Singh Sandhu has been ignoring all opposition from within the AAP and is in touch with the resident of the area as he has personal relations and deep roots having been a three-time MLA. Sandhu refused to comment on the activities of AAP leaders and their reported personal remarks made on him.