Fledgling Swaraj India suffered a jolt after two of its candidates contesting the upcoming MCD polls ditched the party to join the BJP. The party has sacked Amrita Rashmi, candidate from ward No 24S Bapriola under the South Delhi MCD, after BJP leaders were found to be campaigning for her.
“After it was brought to our notice, we immediately sacked Amrita Rashmi from the party,” Swaraj India spokesperson Anupam said. Its other candidate Twinkle Kalia is being supported by the BJP.
Known for driving an ambulance to ferry road accident victims to hospital free of cost, Kalia is contesting from Ward No 81N in Kishan Ganj under the North MCD.
“Kalia said, she wants be a joint candidate of the BJP and Swaraj India. This was unacceptable to us as we don’t want to be seen in alliance with the BJP,” Anupam added.
Interestingly, if the two candidates win, there is a legal lacuna that will help the two escape action under the anti-defection law.
“Although they are Swaraj India candidates, they technically remain independent as we have not been alloted a common symbol.