To revive their “inclusive” image and strengthen the unit, the Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) has decided to mend relations with rebel leaders within the organisation.
Sources from the AAP said senior leaders have reached out to rebel leaders, MLA from Bijwasan Devinder Sehrawat and MLA from Timarpur Pankaj Pushkar.
The duo confirmed that relations with top functionaries had improved over the past month.
Ideological differences
“I was not invited to any of the gatherings and meetings for MLAs over the past year or so. But things are getting better now. I have had a few meetings with senior leaders and we are on the way to talk about ideological differences that may have cropped up in the past,” said Mr. Pushkar.
Stating that his aim has always been to work for the people of his constituency, he said he believes in raising his voice when he feels things are not being done the right way. Mr. Pushkar said he does have personal animosity with the party or the leadership.
“When they do something right, I support them. I have been supporting their policies related education in the House and I will continue to do so in future as well,” he said.
Sources in the party said the decision to improve relations within the party was taken after senior leaders realised that public statements made by rebel leaders were damaging the party’s image.
“The fight is against outsiders. It shouldn’t be amongst us,” an AAP leader said.
Mr. Sehrawat confirmed that talks had taken place between him and party leaders.
Other meetings
Party sources said apart from these MLAs, meetings also took place with ousted Ministers Sandeep Kumar and Asim Ahmed Khan. Though they have not finalised their support to the AAP after being sacked over an alleged sex tape and bribery charges respectively, the hostility has been resolved.
After a string of electoral defeats earlier this year in Punjab, Goa, the by-polls in Rajouri Garden and then the civic polls in Delhi, the party has been taking several steps to regain lost strength on its home turf.
Among other moves, Delhi unit convener Dilip Pandey, who was at the helm of affairs during the municipal elections, was replaced by Labour Minister Gopal Rai.
