Congress ex-MLA Dhingan joins AAP

Former three-time Congress MLA from Seemapuri, Veer Singh Dhingan, joined the Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) in the presence of party supremo Arvind Kejriwal at the party headquarters on Friday.

“Delhi stands with us, and we’re heading for a massive victory,” Kejriwal declared, welcoming Dhingan into the party fold.

Dhingan (71), accompanied by Kejriwal and AAP leader Durgesh Pathak, took aim at the Congress, labelling it as “double-faced” during a press conference. His switch to AAP comes shortly after five-time Congress MLA Chaudhary Mateen Ahmed, along with his elder son and daughter-in-law, joined the party.

“What troubles me even more is the hypocrisy within Congress. They say one thing in public but act entirely differently behind closed doors,” Dhingan remarked, explaining his disillusionment with his former party.

Kejriwal lauded Dhingan’s extensive experience in politics and social work, calling his entry a significant boost for AAP.

“Today is a day of great joy as Dhingan joins the AAP. A towering figure in Delhi politics, he has dedicated many years to public service and social work. His presence will greatly strengthen the AAP, especially in our mission to uplift the Dalit community,” Kejriwal said.

Highlighting Dhingan’s work in Seemapuri, Kejriwal added, “In the Seemapuri Assembly, Dhingan has done outstanding work for the people, who still hold him in high regard. Today, we are proud to welcome the future MLA of Seemapuri into our party.”

Dhingan expressed his disappointment over Congress’ stance during the recent mayoral elections. “The Congress indirectly supported the BJP. If it truly claims to uphold a secular mindset, why wouldn’t it align with others who share the same vision? Why wouldn’t it take a firm stand against the BJP? Congress’s actions, effectively aiding the BJP, were deeply disheartening and disappointing for me,” he said.

The mayoral elections saw AAP’s candidate, Mahesh Khichi, narrowly defeating BJP’s Kishan Pal by three votes. The Congress, however, staged a walkout during the elections. Notably, Congress members Mohammad Khushnood and his wife Sabila Begum resigned from the party and participated in the voting, while seven other Congress councillors abstained.

Praising Kejriwal’s focus on Dalit welfare, Dhingan said, “While many political leaders loudly claim to care for Dalits, Kejriwal has actually delivered. The numerous schemes implemented in Delhi that directly benefit the Dalit community are proof of his commitment to their welfare.”

Placing his trust in Kejriwal, he pledged to contribute to AAP’s efforts. “I place my full trust in Kejriwal and pledge to serve the people through the AAP. I am confident that I can contribute to strengthening the party and work alongside Kejriwal for the betterment of society,” he concluded.

Dhingan, a former chairman of the Khadi Village Industries Board and the SC-ST Board of the Delhi Government, was Congress’s candidate from Seemapuri in the 2020 Assembly elections. However, the seat was won by AAP’s Rajendra Pal Gautam, who recently switched to the BJP in September.