AAP rebel leader talks about his new ‘Punjab-centric’ political outfit

Dharamvira Gandhi, the suspended Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) Member of Parliament from Patiala, launched his ‘Punjab-centric’ political outfit yesterday.

Newslaundry reached out to Gandhi to know more about his plans for Punjab elections. He stated, “All democratic forces who love Punjab and stand for the rights of Punjab can join our front.” Small outfits such as Democratic Swaraj Party, Apna Punjab and Jai Jawan Jai Kishan Party have already joined hands with Gandhi.

Gandhi said he is against the “Delhi durbaar culture” that effects all three parties, that is, the Congress, Bharatiya Janata Party and AAP.

Placing his bets on regional and decentralised fronts, Gandhi said leaders from Punjab should decide their political fate. “I represent Punjab. I understand Punjab. How can Sanjay Singh or Durgesh Pathak [AAP leaders] take decisions and select candidates for AAP in Punjab?”

Gandhi said he will decide on the number of seats that his new party may contest in the upcoming Assembly election after judging people’s response.

“Contesting election is small part of the goal…but creating regional alternative is important.” According to him, Punjab’s governing Shiromani Akali Dal has “ceased to represent voice of Punjab.”

When asked if he is ready to face verbal attacks and charges of vindictiveness by AAP, Gandhi said, “I don’t bother for AAP. I bother for Punjab.”