Shazia Ilmi resigns from AAP citing lack of inner-party democracy

Putting aside all speculation to rest, Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) leader, Shazia Ilmi on Saturday officially declared of her resigning from the party, citing lack of inner-party democracy within AAP.

Speaking at a press conference she said, "Feel sad in saying that I am resigning from AAP."

She charged her party of failing in inner-party democracy, "AAP did a lot to change national political discourse, but it lacked inner party democracy. I find it amazing that we cannot follow principles of Swaraj in our own party. I raised questions on ticket distribution in the party (AAP) and the roles given to different leaders."

Her resignation comes at a time when the party led by Arvind Kejriwal has been remanded to Tihar Jail till June 6 by a court on charges of a defamation case filed by BJP leader Nitin Gadkari.

"I feel the party (AAP) is not moving in a good direction, I see no hope. I hope my departure makes them introspect." she added.

Shazia had an advise for her party to change tack of doing agitational politics.

"Fasts and demonstrations were helpful earlier on but now they are not, people don't like it," she said.

She charged AAP for ignoring her in the party although she maintained her respect reserved for Kejriwal and his supporters, "Arvind has shot the messenger, I was consistently sidelined in the party. I still have the greatest of respect for Arvind and the numerous volunteers."

Although she resigned from her party, but she made it clear of not joining any other party at the same time.

Ilmi had contested both the Delhi Assembly elections and the Lok Sabha elections, and had lost both times.

Sources say that Ilmi was unhappy with some of the AAP's decisions, and had been thinking of leaving the party.