Rebels allege ticket sale in Punjab, AAP denies accusation

Tribune News Service

Chandigarh, January 10

Some of the rebel leaders of the Aam Aadmi Party have accused it of “selling ticket” to rich and influential leaders who have just parachuted into the fold. Senior party leader and Leader of Opposition Harpal Singh Cheema vehemently denied the charge, terming it baseless.

Addressing a press conference here today, AAP rebel leaders alleged tickets were being sold to turncoats for crores. Gurtej Singh Pannu, who was AAP youth wing president of Mohali, alleged on 56 Assembly constituencies the party had fielded candidates who joined from either the Congress or Shiromani Akali Dal.

“Thirteen of these candidates joined overnight and have been fielded by the party. This exposes the hypocrisy of the party top brass that prided in being ‘different’,” he said, releasing a list of these candidates.

Countering the charge, Cheema said some people had personal and selfish agenda in politics and when their plans failed, they indulged in the blame game. Cheema claimed AAP had given 80 per cent tickets to its core volunteers and it’s the only party to do so.

Take action, Akalis urge poll panel

• The Shiromani Akali Dal (SAD) on Monday said the Election Commission must take cognisance of some AAP leaders’ accusations of ‘ sale of ticket’ and register appropriate case in the matter
• Spokesman for SAD Daljit Singh Cheema said: “The AAP and its leadership have been thoroughly exposed with the latest charge and only a high-level independent inquiry can uncover the scope of the scam.”

80% candidates volunteers only

People with personal agenda indulge in the blame game… AAP has given 80 per cent ticket to its core volunteers only. — Harpal Cheema, AAP leader