Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) MLA from Bathinda Urban, Jagroop Singh Gill, expressed displeasure over the distribution of party tickets for the upcoming municipal corporation elections scheduled for May 26. In a Facebook Live session, Gill alleged that the candidates recommended by him were largely overlooked. He claimed to have suggested names for all 50 wards, but only his nephew, Sukhdeep Singh, received a ticket. Sukhdeep Singh has declined to contest in solidarity with those who were denied tickets.
Allegations of Sidelining Party Workers
Gill stated that long-serving 'taksali' party workers and ward presidents had been sidelined in the ticket distribution process. Without naming anyone directly, he suggested that decisions were influenced by 'one individual,' widely perceived to be Punjab Cricket Association president Amarjit Singh Mehta. Mehta's son, Padamjit Mehta, is the outgoing mayor of Bathinda Municipal Corporation and played a key role in the ticket selection.
Gill Reaffirms Commitment to Party
Despite his reservations, Gill maintained that he would continue to work for the party. He emphasized that his criticism was aimed at the process, not at the party itself.
Refutation by Padamjit Mehta
Padamjit Mehta refuted the allegations, stating that the candidate selection was not dictated by any single individual. He described it as a structured and consultative process carried out by the designated committee. Mehta made these remarks after filing his nomination papers.
Last Day of Nominations Sees Rush
On Saturday, the last day for filing nominations, a large number of candidates from various parties submitted their papers. Polling for municipal corporations and councils will be held on May 26.
In Barnala, AAP MP Gurmeet Singh Meet Hayer accompanied party candidates during the filing of nominations. Congress MLA Kuldeep Singh Dhillon, former MLA Kewal Singh Dhillon, BJP district president Yadvinder Shunty, and SAD leaders Kulwant Singh and Sanjeev Shorey also supported their respective candidates.
AAP Confident of Majority in Barnala
Meet Hayer stated that AAP has fielded candidates in all 50 wards in Barnala and expressed confidence in securing a clear majority, citing public support for the party's development agenda.
Padamjit Mehta filed his nomination in Bathinda, while MP Meet Hayer was seen with candidates in Barnala.
