BJP expels candidate from Narela for AAP MLA show
Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) has expelled its candidate Savita Khatri from Narela ward for whom former AAP minister Sandeep Kumar campaigned on Sunday.
The party had courted controversy after Kumar, who was sacked after a sex video allegedly involving him emerged in August 2016, was spotted seeking votes for Khatri.
Despite her expulsion, Khatri will remain in the race as party’s official candidate in the election as per the rules. “The symbol was alloted to her and it can’t be taken back at this stage. So, she is contesting the election as BJP candidate. Now, it depends on the party whether it induct her back if she wins,” explained former state election commission chief Rakesh Mehta.
However, leader of the opposition in Delhi Assembly Vijender Gupta said Khatri had been expelled and, therefore, she can’t be counted as party councillor.
BJP’s national vice-president Vinay Sahastrabuddhe said she is no more the party candidate in this election.
“There is no place in the BJP for the criminal elements of AAP against whom there is serious allegation of rape and exploitation of women. Party will not tolerate any kind of association or connivance with any such element from AAP,” he said addressing a press conference.
Sources in the party said the decision of Khatri’s expulsion was taken after the directions from the central leadership. “On Monday, the party had maintained that it was a mischievous attempt by the AAP and Congress to create nuisance. However, a day after the incident BJP president Amit Shah spoke to secretary (organisation) Siddharthan and state leaders after which Khatri was suspended,” sources said.
On Sunday, the former Delhi women and child development minister, was seen campaigning door-to-door for Khatri. When asked about the reason for the switch he had said he was doing it for his “friends”.