Another AAP-heaval: 16 quit Punjab posts

Jupinderjit Singh

Tribune News Service

Chandigarh, July 15

Sixteen AAP leaders, including five district presidents, six halqa in-charge andtwo general secretaries, have revolted against party’s state co-convener Dr Balbir Singh. 

They have sent a joint resignation letter to party convener Arvind Kejriwal, accusing Dr Balbir Singh of a “dictatorial attitude.” Most of these  leaders, who belong to the Sukhpal Khaira (Leader of Opposition) group, accuse Dr Balbir Singh of removing several persons from posts arbitrarily.

The flashpoint came after  Gian Singh was removed as Patiala-rural president. The “rebel” leaders claimed he had been working selflessly for the party since its inception.

Dr Balbir Singh said he had not received any resignation letter. Karanvir Singh Tiwana, party’s losing candidate from Patiala-Rural, said: “ Dr Balbir Singh has been making appointments at whim. He  entered into a public spat with Khaira, endangering the party’s prospects in the state.”

The crisis threatens to divide the party at a juncture when an effort was underway to sink differences.