Khaira to be expelled, says Mann

JALANDHAR: Accusing rebel leader Sukhpal Singh Khaira of scuttling all truce efforts, Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) leader and Sangrur MP Bhagwant Mann on Saturday said the party will soon expel the Bholath MLA.

Mann’s statement comes amid squabbling for seats in the Punjab assembly between the rival factions on the first day of the monsoon session on Friday. Khaira has hardened his stance on autonomy for the state unit. The rebel faction has positioned itself as the new “third front” in Punjab, formed its own PAC and elected Khaira as the acting chief a few days ago. Khaira has support of seven other MLAs.

“Our party leaders, HS Phoolka, Sarabjit Kaur Manuke and Aman Arora have tried to iron out the differences by visiting Khaira’s residence. But he seems to have made up his mind to break the party. He has even changed the colour of his turban to green. He might launch a new front with Bains brothers (of the Lok Insaf Party) in coming days,” Mann said while addressing a press conference.

Unsparing in his criticism of the former leader of opposition, Mann said problems of Punjab are not important for Khaira, only the post is.

On why was the party dithering on taking action against the rebels when several other senior party leaders such as Sucha Singh Chhotepur, Gurpreet Ghuggi, Dr Dharamvira Gandhi and Harinder Singh Khalsa were suspended or sacked for “antiparty” activities, Mann said: “We were expecting Khaira will return home. But the way he is passing resolutions, has formed his own PAC and declared himself as acting president, I don’t think he will return.”

Mann also demanded live telecast of the debate on Justice Ranjit Singh (retd) report on incidents of sacrilege of Guru Granth Sahib and police firing at Sikh protesters saying people deserve to know the party which was responsible for this “shameful act”. He, however, said one day was too little a time to debate it. Later, he later held a meeting with volunteers for Rakhar Punia celebrations at Baba Bakala.

Our party leaders have tried to iron out the differences by visiting Khaira’s residence. But he seems to have made up his mind to break the party BHAGWANT MANN, Sangrur MP