AAP dissolves Punjab unit; leaders show unity

The Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) on Monday dissolved its Punjab unit in the first meeting held under newly appointed state President Bhagwant Mann.

In a show of unity, AAP senior leaders, including legislator and leader of opposition H.S. Phoolka, Member of Parliament Sadhu Singh, legislator and co-President Aman Arora and legislator Sukhpal Singh Khaira attended the meeting.

The marathon meeting, which ended on Monday evening, was attended by all 20 AAP legislators, party candidates, zone co-coordinators and other office bearers, a party spokesman said here.

"The positive and negative feedbacks regarding Assembly elections were discussed during the meeting. The co-President of the party, Aman Arora will meet the volunteers and office-bearers throughout the state and the suggestions regarding new office-bearers will be taken from them. Arora will start his tour under 'AAP Apnya Naal' programme from May 18," the spokesman said.

He said the party has decided to form a disciplinary committee to look after issues related to anti-party activities of the members.

"The committee will keep a vigil on anti-party activities on print, electronic, social media etc and will act against who found guilty," he said.

Addressing media later, Bhagwant Mann, who is an AAP MP, said the rumours and misinformation being spread by the Congress, Shiromani Akali Dal and the Bharatiya Janata Party will not affect the AAP and party will bounce back with more strength.

"Lakhs of volunteers are still connected with the party. The AAP will continue to raise the issues related to public importance and will perform the duty of opposition with great responsibility," Mann said.

Answering a query about infighting within the party, Mann said the party is like a family and there can be difference of opinion and it will be sorted out very soon. He said efforts will be made to console those got separated from the party in the past.

In the recent assembly elections in Punjab, the AAP emerged as the single-largest party after the Congress in the assembly with 20 legislators in the 117-member house. The Congress won 77 seats.

The AAP, which was a strong contender to come to power in the run up to the assembly polls, ended up with 20 seats in its first outing in assembly elections.

--IANS

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