Seelampur MLA Abdul Rehman leaves AAP, joins Congress citing neglect of Muslim rights
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New Delhi, Dec 12 (NationPress) In a significant blow to the Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) just before the forthcoming Assembly elections in Delhi, Seelampur MLA Abdul Rehman has left the party and joined Congress on Tuesday, accusing AAP of having "ignored rights of Muslims".
In his resignation letter, Rehman further criticized AAP National Convenor Arvind Kejriwal for sidestepping public issues for personal political benefit.
"Today, I resign from the primary membership of the Aam Aadmi Party. The party has become enmeshed in power struggles and has overlooked the rights of Muslims. Arvind Kejriwal has persistently refrained from tackling public concerns for his political advantage. I will persist in my fight for justice and rights," Rehman stated.
Despite his resignation, his social media profile picture remains unchanged—showing a jailed Kejriwal accompanied by the text, 'Modi ka sabse bada dar Arvind Kejriwal' (Modi's greatest fear is Arvind Kejriwal).
This decision marks a major setback for AAP, particularly in areas with a significant Muslim electorate, potentially influencing the party's electoral chances.
In a post on X, the AAP MLA expressed, "I am resigning from the role of President of Minority Cell of Aam Aadmi Party. This decision stems from the increasing disparities in my views. I trust that the party and my supporters will comprehend my choice."
Rehman’s resignation followed the denial of a ticket for the upcoming Assembly elections in Delhi.
AAP had recently released its second candidate list on Monday, substituting Rehman with Zubair Ahmed as the candidate for Seelampur.
Within a day, Rehman denounced AAP for neglecting minority rights and announced his exit from the party.
Reports suggest that Rehman's dissatisfaction with AAP had been simmering for a month, sparked by the induction of Zubair Ahmed into the party.
Speculation regarding Rehman’s shift from AAP to Congress gained traction following this incident.
On October 29, Rehman had resigned from his position as the head of AAP's minority wing, citing ideological differences.
The Assembly elections in Delhi for all 70 constituencies are planned to occur on or before February 2025.
The previous elections took place in February 2020.
Post-election, the Aam Aadmi Party established the state government, with Arvind Kejriwal securing a third term as Chief Minister.
The tenure of the 7th Delhi Assembly is set to conclude on February 15, 2025.
