In a major setback to the Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) ahead of lok Sabha elections, its leader Savita Bhatti has withdrawn her candidature from Chandigarh.
Savita Bhatti, the widow of comedian-actor Jaspal Bhatti has sent an e-mail to the party saying that she has decided not to contest lok Sabha elections. The party had on March 1, announced to give her ticket to contest election from Chandigarh. Savita had also started campaigning in Chandigarh after she was declared the AAP candidate. She had organised road shows and discussions at various places.
Sources in the party said that Savita was not happy due to internal dissensions in Chandigarh AAP after her candidature was announced. The city party leaders were not supporting her in campaigning and she was planning the campaigning strategy on her own. Bhatti has cited personal reasons for withdrawing from the elections. Savita Bhatti could not be reached for comments as her mobile remained switched off.
When contacted, AAP spokesman Rajeev Godara said that the party leaders are trying to convince her to contest elections. But if she is not interested in contesting elections, then the party will field another candidate from the Chandigarh parliamentary seat. A decision in the regard will be taken by party’s high command. Rajeev said, “The meeting of party’s PAC (Political Affairs Committee) on Sunday evening will take a final call on the issue.”
Till the filing of this report, the meeting of party’s PAC was still going on. A renowned TV and films personality, Savita was the second woman candidate after BSP’s Jannat Jahan to be declared by their respective political outfits from Chandigarh. After her name was announced as AAP’s candidate, Savita had said that fight against corruption and other problems faced by the common man will be her priority list in the run up to the polls.
Jaspal Bhatti, known for his comic and satirical street shows on social issues, died in a car accident in October 2012. Since then, his wife Savita and her family have been propagating the message of wearing seatbelts along with the Chandigarh Police.