AAP MP backs Dr Daljit Singh, says won’t follow party diktat

Gagan K Teja

Tribune News Service

Patiala, July 14

A day after Dr Daljit Singh, chairman of the disciplinary committee of Aam Aadmi Party’s state unit, served a show-cause notice by the party high command, Patiala MP Dr Dharamvira Gandhi came out openly in his support.

He alleged the party was deliberately trying to derail Punjab leadership.

Dr Daljit Singh had blamed party’s senior leader Sanjay Singh and state convener Sucha Singh Chhotepur for causing factionalism within the state unit.

Criticising Chhotepur and the national leadership, Dr Gandhi said they were not giving autonomy to Punjab unit and were trying to keep them under their control which was unacceptable. “I endorse Dr Daljit Singh’s views. The central leadership is acting in an authoritative and undemocratic manner to uproot all Punjab leaders, including party MPs. How can a party that cannot entertain independent views within the organisation go on to ensure federalism in the country,” he questioned.

He also blamed Chhotepur for causing rift in the state unit. Dr Gandhi alleged Chhotepur had ignored the honest cadre of the party which had actually helped in establishing AAP in Punjab. Rather, Chhotepur had helped in adjusting many political figures from other parties in AAP without checking their political credentials which were against the very principles of the party, he alleged.

This is not the first time Dr Gandhi has come out against Chhotepur. Dr Gandhi had raised his voice against the state convener after the latter did not invite him to a meeting of the state executive held at Mohali in April to discuss “mission vistar”.

Chhotepur could not be contacted despite repeated attempts.