When Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) fights against corruption and bride in public life, its own Punjab unit chief Suchcha Singh Chhotepur has been accused of accepting the bribe. He reportedly was seen accepting the bribe for assigning constituencies to party candidates for the upcoming assembly elections. Meanwhile, 21 AAP leaders from Punjab have written a letter to party chief and Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal requesting him to immediately sack Chhotepur since he violated the core principles of the party. In addition to 21 AAP leaders, Parliament members Bhagwant Mann and Sadhu Singh also requested Kejriwal of anti-party activities. The leaders claim that Chhotepur compromised on the principles of the party on zero tolerance towards corruption.
Meanwhile, sources revealed to us that Chhotepur was caught red-handed on camera while accepting cash for the seat from a candidate. The party leaders have enclosed a video clip along with the letter to Kejriwal. However, the video was released on public domain since it will harm the prospects of the party in the upcoming elections.
Emergency meeting by Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal
There are reports that Delhi CM Kejriwal has called for an emergency meeting of top party leaders to discuss the fate of Chhotepur. Commenting on the development, AAP spokesperson in Punjab Himmat Singh Shergill disclosed that the party will take strong action not only against Chhotepur but also against anyone who indulge in unfair practices.
Allegations baseless, says Chotepur
However, Chotepur has denied the allegations and demanded that he should be shown the sting. He said that there is a conspiracy plotted against me by few of my own party men. He is scheduled to address a press conference in Chandigarh today to clarify his position.
Congress praises Chotepur
Responding to media, Punjab Congress chief Amarinder Singh hits back the AAP local unit and described Chhotepur as an “honorable and respectful” man with an unblemished career.
Interestingly, Chhotepur has been part of both the Akali Dal and the Congress in Punjab, before he teamed up Kejriwal. He lost to BJP’s Vinod Khanna in 2014 Lok Sabha Polls.