Ceasefire for now, AAP factions to meet again

Tribune News Service

Chandigarh, October 23

The first meeting between rival AAP factions was held here on Tuesday. The representatives of both groups termed it positive, saying that discussions were held on contentious issues.

Both factions agreed to meet again. They also agreed not to issue statements against each other and avoid discussing the details of the first meeting.

Sangrur MP Bhagwant Mann and Kharar MLA Kanwar Sandhu, who represented their respective groups, told the mediapersons that the meeting was positive and they hoped that the party would come out stronger and united.

Sources said the Sukhpal Khaira group insisted that the discussions be held on issues taken up during the Bathinda convention only. The rebel group wanted complete autonomy for the Punjab unit, besides rollback of decisions, including Khaira’s removal from the post of Leader of Opposition.

Sarvjit Kaur Manuke said the meeting ended on a positive note. “The state unit is already autonomous. We have no issues over posts and neither does the other faction. We all want to bury the hatchet for the betterment of the state,” she said.

Party gets dist presidents

Earlier, the AAP core committee met here under the chairmanship of Principal Budh Ram. Bhagwant Mann, Prof Sadhu Singh and LoP Harpal Singh Cheema and other members were present.

The party expanded its organisational structure with new appointments. Kultar Singh Sandhwan, Kotkapura MLA, is appointed president of AAP state kisan cell, Ropar MLA Amarjit Singh Sandoa, transport cell, and Jastej Singh Arora, legal cell.

The party also appointed three district and eight constituency presidents. Jaspal Singh Datepur, is president, Mansa, Karamjit Singh Dhindsa, Fatehgarh Sahib, and Gurdip Singh Bath, Barnala.

Gudhayan Singh Multani is appointed incharge of Mukeria constituency, Chand Singh Gill, Zira, Malkiat Singh Thind, Guruharsahai, Suresh Gual, Ludhiana Central, Jameer-Ur-Rehman, Malerkotla, Navjot Singh Jarg, Amargarh, Jaswant Singh Narainpura, Attari, and Peeter Jeeda, Fatehgarh Sahib.