Making another hole in Congress cadre in Punjab, Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) on Saturday admitted lakhbir Singh Rai into its fold. Rai is the former district Congress president from Fatehabad.
AAP convener Suchcha Singh Chhotepur said that Rai has joined party unconditionally and continuous flow of leaders from other parties is a proof that the party was growing rapidly in the State.
Chhotepur, however, said no induction will take place during the Maghi Mela rally, scheduled to be addressed by the party convener Arvind Kejriwal. There were speculations that PPP Chief Manpreet Badal may announce merger of PPP in AAP on the dais of Maghi mela. But PPP has indicated that the party will be holding its separate rally on Maghi as the party has sought permission for space in Muktsar.
Putting such speculations to rest for now, Chhotepur said that party is expecting an unprecedented gathering in Maghi mela as people are passionate about Kejriwal and his style of politics. He said that the performance of Delhi Government has created a niche for the party in the heart of Punjabis. The aura of Kejriwal would be enough to outshine the rallies of other political parties, claimed Chhotepur.
Chhotepur claimed that a number of leaders from ruling Shiromani Akali Dal and BJP were also in contact with the party leaders, but political compulsions were not letting them leave their party, but as the elections come near, both the parties shall loose some leaders.
lakhbir Singh Rai said that he had got fed up with the policies of Congress and being a fan of Kejriwal style of politics and his policies, he had joined the party.
Answering a question about his contention to be the Chief Ministerial candidate of the party, Chhotepur said that it depends on the party, what role was assigned to him. Repeating the same track, Chhotepur said that if party asked him to paste poster, he would do it happily.