Seelampur MLA Abdul Rehman Leaves AAP to Join Congress, Claims 'Muslim Rights Overlooked'

New Delhi, Dec 12 (NationPress) Just hours after his exit from the Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) in anticipation of the forthcoming Assembly elections in Delhi, Seelampur MLA Abdul Rehman made the transition to Congress on Tuesday, claiming that the party 'overlooked the rights of Muslims'.
In his resignation letter, Rehman further criticized AAP National Convenor Arvind Kejriwal for sidestepping public concerns for his own political advantage.
'Today, I resign from the primary membership of the Aam Aadmi Party. The party has become caught up in power struggles and has disregarded Muslim rights. Arvind Kejriwal has persistently shunned public issues for his political benefit. I will continue to advocate for justice and rights,' Rehman stated.
Despite his resignation, his social media profile picture remained unchanged—a photo of jailed Kejriwal accompanied by the phrase—'Modi's greatest fear is Arvind Kejriwal'.
This departure represents a notable loss for AAP, particularly in areas with a large Muslim voter demographic, potentially affecting the party's chances in the elections.
In a post on X, the AAP MLA mentioned, 'I am resigning from my position as President of the Minority Cell of Aam Aadmi Party. I've made this choice due to increasing differences in my views. I trust that the party and my supporters will comprehend my decision.'
Rehman's resignation followed the denial of a ticket from Seelampur for the upcoming Assembly elections in Delhi.
AAP released its second candidate list on Monday, substituting Rehman with Zubair Ahmed as the Seelampur candidate.
Within a day, Rehman accused AAP of neglecting minority rights and formally announced his resignation from the party's primary membership.
Reports suggest that Rehman's discontent with AAP had been simmering for about a month, triggered by Zubair Ahmed's entry into the party.
Speculation surrounding Rehman's move to Congress intensified following this incident.
On October 29, Rehman stepped down as the head of AAP's minority wing, citing ideological differences.
The Assembly elections in Delhi, covering all 70 constituencies, are set to occur on or before February 2025.
The last Assembly elections took place in February 2020.
Post-election, Aam Aadmi Party formed the state government, with Arvind Kejriwal securing a third term as Chief Minister.
The term of the 7th Delhi Assembly is expected to conclude on 15 February 2025.