AAP replaces Leader of Opposition in Punjab

5 Dariya News

Chandigarh 26-Jul-2018

The AAP on Thursday removed its firebrand senior leader Sukhpal Singh Khaira from the post of Leader of Opposition in the Punjab assembly in what is being seen as internal strife in the AAP.Khaira was replaced by Dalit leader Harpal Singh Cheema.Aam Aadmi Party's (AAP) Punjab in-charge Manish Sisodia announced the decision on his Twitter account. Cheema, the new Leader of Opposition, is the legislator from Dirba constituency.The AAP in a statement said a Dalit face has been given responsibility.Reacting to the party's decision, Khaira tweeted: "If speaking the truth and espousing the cause of Punjab, Punjabis and Sikhs cost me the LoP (leader of Opposition post) I'm prepared to let go 100 such positions. Those at the helm have done what Cong-SAD-BJP wanted," he said.A few days back, Khaira accused state co-president Balbir Singh of "hatching a conspiracy" to remove him from the post.He said Singh had charged him with demanding money from party workers to tarnish his image.But Balbir Singh had denied the charges.Earlier, Khaira landed the party in a tight spot by backing the Sikh radicals. He supported Sikh Referendum 2020 as propounded by Sikh radicals for the creation of Khalistan.The AAP had sought a clarification from him.