Citing corruption, three AAP councillors join BJP
A day before the election of the lone seat of Municipal Corporation of Delhi’s Standing Committee, three AAP councillors — Preeti from Dilshad Colony, Sarita Phogat from Green Park and Praveen Kumar from Madanpur Khadar East — joined the BJP on Wednesday. The announcement was made at a press conference led by Delhi BJP president Virendra Sachdeva, in the presence of Union Minister of State Harsh Malhotra, MP Ramvir Singh Bidhuri and other senior leaders on Wednesday.
The councillors cited corruption and lack of governance within the AAP as reasons for their departure. “I joined the Kejriwal’s party thinking something new would happen in India,” said Preeti, who has been a four-time councillor. “But today, he is completely immersed in corruption. He has pushed me to the point where I can no longer support him,” she added.
Sachdeva welcomed the councillors and criticised the AAP government for its failure to address civic issues.
“When Atishi got a new ministry, we sent her a letter highlighting the terrible condition of Delhi’s roads, but no action was taken. She even incited us to physically confront BJP corporates during the mayoral election, which reflects her character,” Preeti said.
Kumar said, “I represent a very backward ward where there are deep-rooted problems, but the AAP leadership never listens to its councillors. I have joined the BJP to raise and solve the issues of my constituents.”
