Dr Balbir to run state AAP

Chandigarh/Patiala:With Bhagwant Mann and Aman Arora refusing to withdraw their resignation from the posts of president and co-president of the state AAP unit, the party on Tuesday elevated vice-president Dr Balbir Singh as co-president. He will run the state party affairs for the time being. A party spokesperson said Punjab affairs incharge Manish Sisodia had appointed Dr Balbir after a recent meeting of all five zonal presidents and MLAs from the state. Fourteen of the 20 AAP MLAs were present. The absentees included Leader of Opposition Sukhpal Khaira, HS Phoolka and Kanwar Sandhu. As chief campaign manager, Dr Balbir had played a key role in Dr Dharamvira Gandhi’s victory from the Patiala Lok Sabha seat in 2014. Contesting on the AAP ticket, he had lost to Capt Amarinder Singh from the Patiala Urban seat last year. “I have got another opportunity to strengthen the party. My immediate task is to tackle the current situation and prepare a vision document for the state’s economic development,” he said.

Whips elected

The partyon Tuesday unanimously elected Nazar Singh Manshahia as the chief whip. Rupinder Kaur Ruby and Pirmal Singh Khalsa were elected party whips. TNS