Another AAP MLA Spotted With Punjab CM; Sandhu Claims “Not Joining Congress”

| Updated: 24 November, 2021 7:50 pm IST

AAP MLA Kanwar Sandhu with CM Charanjit Singh Channi.

CHANDIGARH: Fresh speculations are on in Punjab after another Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) MLA from Kharar assembly segment was spotted with chief minister of Punjab Charanjit Singh Channi in his car on Tuesday night.

About two weeks back, the AAP faced a setback after the AAP MLA from Bathinda Rural (reserved) Rupinder Kaur Ruby quit the party and joined Congress in the presence of CM Channi. Even during the Vidhan Sabha session, AAP MLA from Raikot Jagtar Singh Jagga, changed his seat from AAP to Congress.

When contacted, MLA Kanwar Sandhu confirmed that he met the CM, but denied that there was anything more to it.

“It was just a formal meeting,” he said. “He is the chief minister of Punjab and I met him for the development purpose of my area. There is no truth to speculations that I am joining Congress or leaving AAP,” Sandhu added.

Sandhu was elected MLA on AAP ticket from Kharar assembly seat in 2017. However, he was suspended from AAP for anti-party activities. He moved with Sukhpal Khaira in 2019 and was even spotted sitting separately in the assembly. With the elections approaching, political critics claim his inclination is now shifted towards the Congress.

ALSO READ: Didi Takes Fight With BJP To New Low, Books Tripura CM’s OSD Over DM Act

Earlier, during his Punjab visit, Delhi chief minister and AAP national convenor, Arvind Kejriwal had pointedly said that the work of all those MLAs who had left the party was not good. Kejriwal claimed that these MLAs were leaving the party as they realised that there is no further scope of getting a ticket.

Six AAP MLAs have left the party so far. Of those, Sukhpal Khaira, Piramal Khalsa, Jagdev Kamalu and Rupinder Kaur Ruby have joined the Congress. Baldev Singh and HS Phoolka had also resigned. Other than these, Najar Singh and Sandhu were sidelined from the party. At present, there are only 10 active members in AAP. The party even announced their name for the upcoming Vidhan Sabha elections.

Who is Kanwar Sandhu?

Elected to the Punjab Vidhan Sabha for the first time in 2017
Member of Board of Governors of Punjab Public School, Nabha
Member of Governing Council, Guru Nanak Public School, Chandigarh.
He was Resident Editor of Indian Express, Chandigarh, Hindustan Times, Chandigarh, Executive Editor of Tribune Group and Managing Editor of Day & Night News TV Channel