After withdrawing her candidature from Chandigarh, actor-turned-politician and Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) leader Savita Bhatti on Monday said she opted out as she was not feeling comfortable being the part of political arena.
“I am not made for politics and not used to working in this kind of atmosphere,” said Bhatti while talking to the mediapersons on Monday.
Confirming that she is still the part of AAP, she said, “I am still the member of AAP and have full faith in party’s chief, Arvind Kejriwal and his vision. I will continue extending my support to Kejriwal” Savita Bhatti, the widow of comedian-actor Jaspal Bhatti had on Saturday night sent an email to the party saying that she has decided not to contest lok Sabha elections.
As the news of her withdrawal spread, the party workers had on Sunday gathered at her residence and raised slogans in her favour.
Talking about differences in the party city unit, Bhatti said, “In every organisation, people have their own opinion and everyone is not alike. I respect everyone’s opinion and would continue to be the part of AAP.”
She added, “There were differences in opinion on some issues in the party members here. And, she was not feeling good about it. Though I have opted out, I would support party’s candidate from Chandigarh, whenever party decides about the candidate. I would extend all my support in campaigning for party’s candidate from Chandigarh.”
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 even organised road shows and discussions at various places. After the announcement of Savita’s name as AAP candidate from Chandigarh, a number of AAP local leaders had distanced themselves from her campaign. Some leaders had also sent emails against her to the party high command. Also, the city party leaders were not supporting her in campaigning and she was planning the campaigning strategy on her own.
Now as she withdrew her candidature, AAP has started the process to announce party’s candidate from Chandigarh. The names of city-based businessman Naresh Garg Bobby, a Chicago-based NRI Dr Munish Raizada, and another businessman HK Arora are doing the rounds for the AAP candidate from Chandigarh.
Around 200 aspirants had applied for the AAP ticket from Chandigarh. And, 31 were shortlisted after a scrutiny of applications. Bhatti’s name was not among those who had been shortlisted.
When contacted, AAP spokesman Rajeev Godara said that a decision on party’s candidate would be taken by the party high command. The meeting of party’s PAC (Political Affairs Committee) to be held on Monday evening is likely to announce the city’s candidate.The election in Chandigarh will be held on April 10.