AAP split widens, rebel group led by Manjit Singh Randhawa extends supports to sacked Sucha Singh Chhotepur

Randhawa said that AAP has become outfit of "conspirators" and its only "ulterior motive to grab power in Punjab at any cost".

Amritsar, Aug 27: Former Punjab Convenor Sucha Singh Chhotepur has received support from a rebel group of Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) led by Manjit Singh Randhawa. The group extended support to Sucha Singh Chhotepur and accused Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal of indulging in “dictatorial behaviour”. Chhotepur who is the convenor of AAP in Punjab was allegedly caught taking money in a sting operation. The video of Sucha Singh Chhotepur was shown to AAP national convenor Arvind Kejriwal following which he was believed to be removed from the party.

However, Chhotepur claimed that he is a victim of conspiracy and that members within the party are allegedly targeting him and that he has no plans to quit the party. (ALSO READ- Caught in sting: AAP Punjab convenor Sucha Singh Chhotepur likely to be sacked by Arvind Kejriwal for accepting ‘cash’)

Randhawa said that it “rejects” the list of the candidates announced by AAP for the upcoming assembly elections in Punjab. Randhawa said that they extended support to former Convener of AAP. They have also formed their own party- ‘AAP Punjab’. Randhawa was earlier a member of AAP’s Political Review Committee. As per PTI, talking to media about the committee being set up against him, Chottepur said, “I was expecting it (the sacking) with the kind of allegation made against me. But I am a little surprised that a committee was formed after taking action against me. Generally, a committee is formed before taking action against any person in the party. Generally, a committee is formed before taking action against any person in the party, here is no sanctity of this committee as those people have been made part of this panel who wanted me out. They have now become the judge. How can I accept this? I will not present myself before the panel as I reject this committee.”(ALSO READ: ‘Stung’ AAP Punjab convenor Sucha Singh Chhotepur cries conspiracy, hints betrayal from party high command)

Randhawa said that Kejriwal was not “aware” about the culture and geographical importance of Punjab and that AAP has become the political outfit of “conspirators” and its only “ulterior motive to grab power in Punjab at any cost”.

He also said that in the coming days, ‘AAP Punjab’ will prepare a “separate election manifesto” for the forthcoming elections. He also said that it will be followed by announcing the name of candidates and Chhotepur will be the party’s “president” in Punjab.

Chhotepur on Saturday rejected the panel set up by the party to probe allegations against him. He also dared the leadership to make the video public in which he was shown accepting money for a ticket. He also slammed AAP for “orchestrating” the sting operation against him.

(With inputs from PTI)