The Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) received a severe setback to its electoral plans and overall image as its candidate from the Chandigarh Lok Sabha seat, Savita Bhatti, 53, widow of late satirist Jaspal Bhatti, declined to contest after a week of campaigning. She cited "immaturity and clash of egos" within the local AAP unit as reasons.
Savita conveyed her decision in an email on Saturday night to senior AAP leader Manish Sisodia. It read: "I wish to officially submit my withdrawal of candidature from the Chandigarh Lok Sabha AAP seat. In my interaction from the last one week with party workers, there is total immaturity and clash of egos. I cannot stoop down to this level. I have fought against corruption with Jaspal Bhatti, and will continue to be a crusader against corruption in my small little way."
A reply from Sisodia or the party was awaited. Bhatti did not resign from the party as such, though, and said she was available whenever needed.
Savita had reportedly been handpicked by AAP chief Arvind Kejriwal despite her not having gone through any screening or interview.