AAP MLAs being intimidated, says Khaira
BATHINDA: As dissident Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) MLAs are all set for a show of strength in Thursday’s convention here, ousted leader of opposition in Punjab assembly Sukhpal Singh Khaira said party MLAs are being intimidated in the name of disqualification.
Khaira, who visited the venue of the convention at the sports stadium of Guru Nanak Dev Thermal Plant on Wednesday, to take stock of preparations, said, “A vicious campaign is being unleashed to intimidate party MLAs in the name of disqualification.”
He said the convention is being held under the banner of AAP and MLAs who will take part in it have not given up party membership. “MLAs can be disqualified only if they quit the primary membership of the party and join another party. This convention is a party event and we have invited all the leaders. Wrong information is being spread in this regard and we are taking care of all legal angles,” he said.
‘NRIS SUPPORTING CONVENTION FULLY’
He claimed that AAP supporters among non-resident Indians (NRIs) are extending full support to the convention and are also extending help by arranging transportation for the volunteers.
Khaira alleged that attempts are being made to thwart the event as Punjab State Power Corporation Limited (PSPCL) did not allot the ground for convention initially and it was only after he said that they will resort to protest at the same ground that it was allotted. Khaira said that rumours are also being spread by the Congress, Shiromani Akal Dal (SAD) and even some AAP leaders against them.
Asked about a meeting of AAP Punjab MLAs that has reportedly been scheduled in Delhi on Thursday, he said many MLAs will take part in the Bathinda convention. “But many of whom who will not, will actually be with us. They are in constant touch with me as they support us from the heart.”
‘WILL DISCUSS INNER PARTY ISSUES’
He said, “Apart from inner party issues, matters concerning Punjab will also be discussed in the convention and it will usher a change in politics of state.”
“We are expecting 15,000 party volunteers in the meet,” said Deepak Bansal, who unsuccessfully contested assembly polls from Bathinda (urban) segment last year. Meanwhile, MLAs supporting Khaira held meetings to mobilise party workers to take part in the meet. Jaitu MLA Baldev Singh said workers are voluntarily coming forward to be part of the event and party workers are also exerting pressure on other MLAs to take part in the event.