15 MLAs favour splitting away from the parent party while 5 have advised caution; some have opened backroom discussions with the Congress.
Chandigarh: Trouble continues to mount for the Arvind Kejriwal-led Aam Aadmi Paty (AAP), with its Punjab unit Friday showing clear signs of breaking away from the parent party.
Sources told ThePrint that some MLAs have already opened backroom discussions with the Congress, with the ruling party also not too averse to the idea, if only to score a big political point over Kejriwal.
While all its 20 Punjab MLAs unequivocally condemned Kejriwal’s “unilateral” decision to tender an apology to Bikram Singh Majithia — former Punjab cabinet minister and brother-in-law of Shiromani Akali Dal president Sukhbir Singh Badal — for having accused him of being the kingpin of the illegal drug trade, there was no unanimity about the next step.
Fifteen MLAs favoured splitting from the parent unit and becoming a separate entity; the other five expressed caution and advised against taking any steps in haste.
Who stands where?
The majority group of 13 MLAs is headed by leader of the opposition and Bholath MLA Sukhpal Singh Khaira. Two MLAs — H.S. Phoolka and Harpal Singh Cheema, both advocates — were absent through the day, but Khaira claimed they were supporting him. Khaira added that Sangrur MP Bhagwant Singh Mann, who resigned from the state party president’s post Friday morning following Kejriwal’s apology, was also with them.
The five MLAs advising caution included Aman Arora, who also resigned as the party’s co-convener Friday afternoon, Baljinder Kaur, Sarabjit Kaur Manuke, Amarjit Singh Sandoa, and Kultar Singh Sandhwan.
The Lok Insaaf Party (LIP), which has two MLAs — the Bains brothers — meanwhile broke its alliance with AAP after the Punjab unit failed to reach a consensus over the next course of action.
Twists and turns through the day
Punjab AAP MLAs remained huddled in closed-door meetings through the day, and held two press conferences, both addressed by Khaira. The one in the afternoon was attended by 18 AAP MLAs and the Bains brothers, all of whom vociferously condemned Kejriwal’s move.
“The apology shows a weakness of mind, and the people of Punjab have been let down,” said Khaira.
However, the five contrarian MLAs were absent from the evening press conference. “The majority of MLAs are of the considered view that we should move away from the Delhi unit and declare ourselves independent. However, there are some who want to confront Kejriwal over the apology and then take a call. We decided that we will not make any move till a complete consensus emerges over the next course of action,” said Khaira in the evening.
He added that he expected the missing MLAs to eventually come around. “The MLAs who did not want to immediately exercise that option said they would first like to consult their volunteers and party workers before moving ahead,” added Kharar MLA Kanwar Sandhu.
Khaira said the possibility of AAP MLAs breaking away from the Delhi unit and creating a new party in the state with the support of “like-minded persons” was discussed at length. “We will consider taking on board many of those who started their journey with AAP but were alienated along the way. The names of Patiala MP Dharam Vira Gandhi and Aapna Punjab party president Sucha Singh Chhotepur immediately came to our minds,” said Khaira.
Khaira also put out an appeal to AAP supporters and volunteers in Punjab and outside to suggest to them the next course of action, including breaking away from the Delhi unit.