With ousted Leader of Opposition Sukhpal Singh Khaira remaining defiant over holding a meet of Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) leaders and workers in Bathinda on Thursday, 2 August, the Punjab unit of the AAP could well be headed for a split, reported IANS.
Senior AAP leader and Punjab in-charge Manish Sisodia has issued a warning to AAP legislators in the state and other leaders to stay away from the convention called by Khaira in Bathinda.
THE BACKDROP
On 27 July, Khaira was unceremoniously removed as the Leader of Opposition (LoP) in Punjab Assembly. As many as eight AAP MLAs raised the banner of revolt against the “undemocratic” decision and demanded a review.
The next day (on 28 July) it was decided to hold the convention in Bathinda to discuss issues being faced by Punjab and the crisis within AAP.
On 30 July, Sisodia declared that the convention being organised by Khaira and MLAs supporting him is an anti-party activity.
WHY WAS KHAIRA REMOVED?
Manish Sisodia made the announcement on Twitter without a reason as to why Khaira has been removed as the leader of Opposition.
But this is the second time that the LoP has been changed in less than two years in Punjab Assembly, reported Times of India.
The announcement came at a time when Khaira had accused AAP party co-ordinator Balbir Singh of levelling false allegations of accepting bribe against him. However Singh had refuted the claim.
SUKPAL SINGH KHAIRA’S ARGUMENT
Accusing the Aam Aadmi party of assuming a dictatorial role, Sukhpal Singh Khaira in a tweet said:
“I want to ask Punjabi people living around the world whether we have to take permission for holding a meeting in Punjab from the leaders in Delhi,” Khaira asked.
Khaira also claimed that from day one they have been saying that the 2 August Bathinda convention is going to be held under the party banner which according to him will help in strengthening the party.
AAP’s COUNTER ARGUMENT
Punjab unit AAP co-president Balbir Singh countered Khaira's claim.
According to PTI, Singh said, “The leadership has already clarified that it is not a party meeting, rather it will weaken the party.”
Questioning the timing of the convention, Singh said that the party’s national leadership will take a decision on what will happen to those who will attend the convention.
(With inputs from news agencies)
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