Absent at farmers’ manifesto release: Is Phoolka upset with AAP?

There could be more trouble ahead for the Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) notwithstanding its recent well-attended rally at Baghapurana.

There could be more trouble ahead for the Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) notwithstanding its recent well-attended rally at Baghapurana.

Senior AAP leader HS Phoolka’s absence during the farmers’ manifesto release function at Baghapurana near Moga on Sunday has raised many eyebrows. (HT Photo)

Senior AAP leader HS Phoolka’s absence during the farmers’ manifesto release function at Baghapurana near Moga on Sunday has raised many eyebrows with party insiders saying that the senior advocate is upset with the party’s state of affairs and feels he is being ‘taken for granted’.

Phoolka is reportedly pained at being ignored in the party’s decision making process for crucial issues. He has been upset as some volunteers were not allowed to meet party convener Arvind Kejriwal at his temporary residence in Jhande village which incidentally falls in the same constituency (Dakha) from which Phoolka has already been allotted the ticket.

Sources say another reason why Phoolka did not attend the rally was that a complaint sent by 500 volunteers to the party’s national disciplinary committee about three months ago had gone totally ignored.

Instead, people against whom the complaint was sent by volunteers have been given high positions in the party while the complainants have been sidelined.

Giving an example, AAP volunteer from Ludhiana Raj Fateh Singh said no action was taken against Vikram Mann despite his abusing senior party volunteers and against whom 500 other volunteers filed a complaint with signatures and proofs to the national disciplinary committee. Instead Maan has appointed In-charge of Dakha constituency.

“Phoolka has taken a stand to uphold the respect of volunteers who were not allowed to meet Kejriwal as they were disgruntled,” said Raj Fateh Singh.

Phoolka, who last night posted on his twitter account that he is very much with the party and there is no question of his leaving AAP, reportedly had a one-on-one meeting with Punjab affairs in-charge Sanjay Singh and senior leader Jarnail Singh at his residence after the rally ended on Sunday.

Phoolka is learned to have asked Sanjay Singh to not to take him for granted and that he is ready for any sacrifice and will not betray the people of Punjab.

Some of his aides even suggested Phoolka to choose between self-respect and the party.