AAP Loses Seelampur MLA to Congress Ahead of Delhi Polls

New Delhi- In a blow to the Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) ahead of the Delhi Assembly elections, Seelampur MLA Abdul Rehman resigned from the party on Tuesday and joined the Congress. Rehman alleged that AAP had "ignored the rights of Muslims" and that party National Convenor Arvind Kejriwal had prioritized political gains over public issues.

Rehman's resignation came hours after AAP announced its second list of candidates for the upcoming elections, replacing him with Zubair Ahmed as the Seelampur candidate. This decision reportedly followed a month of discontent for Rehman, who had also resigned from his position as the head of AAP's minority wing on October 29, citing ideological differences.

In his resignation letter, Rehman stated, "Today, I resign from the primary membership of the Aam Aadmi Party. The party has become entangled in power politics and has neglected the rights of Muslims. Arvind Kejriwal has consistently avoided addressing public issues for his political gains. I will continue to fight for justice and rights."

The AAP MLA's departure is considered a significant setback for the party, particularly in constituencies with significant Muslim voter bases. Rehman's social media profile, however, still features a photo of a jailed Kejriwal with the text "Modi ka sabse bada dar Arvind Kejriwal" (Modi's biggest fear Arvind Kejriwal).

Rehman's resignation comes as the AAP prepares for the Delhi Assembly elections, scheduled to be held on or before February 2025. The AAP currently holds power in the state, with Arvind Kejriwal serving as Chief Minister for a third term.