Khaira backs Dr Gandhi demand for ‘political autonomy’
: Aam Aadmi Party (AAP)’s dissident leader Sukhpal Singh Khaira on Sunday said he endorsed party MP Dr Dharamvira Gandhi’s slogan of “political autonomy” for Punjab.
The Bholath MLA, who was addressing a press conference in Bathinda, said, “We want more powers to the state and therefore are with Dr Gandhi over his demand for political ‘khud mukhtari’ (autonomy). We believe in federalism with more powers to states.”
He was in the city to mobilise support for nine-day ‘Isaaf march’ starting from Talwandi Sabo on December 8. Khaira announced that he along with the Bains brothers of the Lok Insaaf Party (LIP) and Dr Gandhi will lead the march.
“I do not stand by the slogan of ‘Khalistan’ by any means,” he said whenwhen asked about certain groups raised pro-Khalistan slogans at the Bargari protest in Faridkot.
Both Gandhi and Khaira have been suspended from AAP for “anti-party activities”. Gandhi has been raising the demand for political autonomy during his campaigns and public meetings.
“Right now, we are fighting for inner autonomy for the party’s state unit,” he said.
“We will highlight the major issues concerning the people of Punjab through this march that will conclude in Patiala where we would make an important announcement,” Khaira said.