With the Jalandhar West Assembly by-election approaching, senior Congress leader and former councillor Rajiv Onkar Tikka on Monday resigned from the party, citing dissatisfaction over being overlooked for the party ticket.

Tikka, a prominent figure in the Jalandhar political scene, expressed his long-standing grievances with the Congress party. Tikka, who has substantial influence in Jalandhar West constituency, was vying for the party ticket for the upcoming by-election. However, the Congress party nominated former Deputy Mayor Surinder Kaur as its candidate, leading to discontent among several party members, including Tikka.

His resignation is seen as a significant setback for Congress, which has been grappling with internal conflicts and discontentment among its ranks. Tikka’s departure underscored the challenges the party faces in maintaining unity and addressing the aspirations of its leaders.

In a strategic boost for AAP, Tikka, along with several other disgruntled leaders from both Congress and BJP, joined the Aam Aadmi Party. This mass defection was formalized at an event where Punjab Chief Minister and AAP Punjab president Bhagwant Mann welcomed the new members.

Among those who joined AAP were Jalandhar Municipal Corporation councillor Darshan Bhagat and other notable figures from the local political spectrum, including leaders from Shiv Sena Bal Thackeray and key members of Congress and BJP.

Expressing his delight at the new additions to AAP family, Mann emphasized that AAP has become the preferred choice for the people of Jalandhar West. “The influx of leaders from Congress and BJP into AAP reflects the growing trust and faith in our party's vision and governance. We are committed to working selflessly for the betterment of Jalandhar and ensuring a victory in the upcoming by-election,” he said.

The new members pledged their dedication to AAP's goals and assured that they would work tirelessly to secure a win for AAP candidate Mohinder Bhagat in the Jalandhar West by-election. They conveyed their gratitude to the Chief Minister for the opportunity to serve under the AAP banner.

Tikka’s resignation from Congress and his subsequent joining of AAP, along with other prominent leaders, marked a pivotal moment in Jalandhar's political scene. As the by-election approaches, AAP appears to be gaining momentum, posing a formidable challenge to its rivals.