AAP again changes candidate

GS Paul

Tribune News Service

Amritsar, January 11

The Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) today cancelled the candidature of former Deputy Speaker Darbari Lal from Amritsar Central and replaced him with Dr Ajay Gupta. It’s the second time in a week that the party has changed the nominee from this seat.

Initially, AAP had picked Capt Rajinder Kumar, but his name was withdrawn within 24 hours after a protest by volunteers.

AAP’s legal cell incharge Himmat Singh Shergill said Lal was removed after allegations of corruption surfaced against him.

Shergill said a case was registered against Lal and his sons regarding the allegedly illegal construction of a multi-storeyed building on prime land near the District Courts here. “The FIR still stands, a fact Lal concealed from us,” he claimed.

State AAP convener Gurpreet Singh Waraich had earlier issued a statement, saying that Lal was “relieved due to ill-health”.

Meanwhile, Lal rejoined the Congress today in in Delhi.