AAP eyes revival in Punjab, woos expelled leaders

Chandigarh: After intense infighting, the AAP is trying to regroup itself in Punjab and sending overtures to its expelled leaders. The recent development of AAP leaders meeting expelled leader Suchha Singh Chhotepur, 66, who was once the party’s convener in Punjab, is strong indicator of the preparations being made by the party ahead of the 2019 Lok Sabha elections.

The AAP’s desperation to reinvent itself stems from the recent dominance of panthic (Sikh religious) issues in Punjab politics and the party’s inability to contribute to the emotive debate. If the AAP manages to bring back Mr Chhotepur to its fold, it would get a leader who could speak on religious issues.

The AAP wants a face which can talk on religious issues and connect with the masses. Mr Chhotepur is one such man as he is from the Majha region of Punjab, the hub of panthic politics in the state. Mr Chhotepur in the past has closely monitored  Akali politics and is well versed with Panthic issue.   

As part of course correction, a team of Arvind Kejriwal loyalists and senior AAP Punjab leaders, led by Leader of Opposition Harpal Cheema and co-convener Balbir Singh, held a long meeting with Mr Chhotepur last week.

The team members requested Mr Chhotepur to return to the party and play a leading role in bringing it back on rails in the state. He was apprised of Mr Kejriwal’s instructions that efforts have been renewed to bring the warring AAP Punjab leaders back on one platform. The meeting was held at the residence of Mr Chhotepur. AAP woman leader and MLA Baljinder Kaur was also part of the team sent by Mr Kejriwal.

Mr Chhotepur, who was unceremoniously expelled from the party before the Assembly election in 2017, minced no words in venting his ire over the treatment meted out to him by the AAP leadership.

Even as Mr Chhotepur welcomed the team, he made it clear to its members that it would take long to forget the damage the party did to his reputation and integrity. He told them that he was highly disappointed after false and baseless allegations were levelled against him.

However, he struck a conciliatory note saying he might consider the party’s offer if an unconditional public apology was made to him. He is learnt to have left the door open for his re-entry into the party fold again.

Mr Chhotepur confirmed the meeting but refused to comment on the outcome as he said he can’t forget his bitter experience and how he was humiliated using false allegations.

Political observers feel that approaching Mr Chhotepur has become a political compulsion for the beleaguered AAP in Punjab as it the party is suffering from feud among the warring factions.

The AAP is finding marginalised in the current political scenario of heavy debate of Sikh religious issues.