Garhshankar MLA backs Khaira group

Tribune News Service

Chandigarh, August 6

The rebel group of AAP MLAs, led by Sukhpal Khaira, on Monday got a shot in the arm when Garhshankar MLA Jai Kishan Rodi joined them. The group now has the support of eight of the 20 AAP MLAs.

Rodi told the mediapersons that he and his supporters felt that the MLAs stand on autonomy for the Punjab unit was justified and they should support it. He, however, said he had been trying to strike peace between the warring groups.

Khaira claimed that talks were on with four or more MLAs, who might join their group soon. He reiterated that they did not intend to break away from AAP. He said they just wanted the state unit to have freedom to take its own decisions.

Sources, meanwhile, said the Delhi leadership was trying to prevail upon Sangrur MP Bhagwant Mann to become active in the state.

The Sucha Singh Chhotepur-led Apna Punjab Party on Monday announced it would support any volunteer of AAP who raised his voice against the Delhi leadership in the interests of Punjab. Lt Col JS Gill, APP spokesperson, said they were the first to revolt, but sadly a few from AAP joined them at that time.