Aam Aadmi Party to launch statewide agitation in Punjab

CHANDIGARH: The Aam Aadmi Party ( AAP) today decided to launch agitation across Punjab against prevailing "corruption, drug trafficking, farmer suicides, unemployment and lawlessness".

A decision to this effect was taken at the party's state executive committee meeting held here, AAP's Punjab unit spokesman H S Phoolka said.

The meeting was attended by AAP's national spokesman Sanjay Singh and central observer Jarnail Singh among other senior leaders. In its maiden attempt this year, the party has won four of the state's 13 Lok Sabha seats.

The meeting condemned attack on party workers in the run up to the by-poll to Talwandi Sabo Assembly segment held on August 21, Phoolka said, adding that the attack on AAP volunteers by Akalis continued in the state.

He alleged AAP volunteers and activists are "intimidated and harassed" by the ruling Akalis. He alleged that "strong nexus between political leaders, corrupt officers, criminals and drug traffickers existed" in the state.

The nexus is the major cause of sufferings of the people of Punjab, he added. The meeting observed that Congress in Punjab had "surrendered" before "lawlessness" of Akalis in the state, he said.

"Congress in Punjab is full of corrupt politicians," he said, adding that AAP is the only alternative that can provide "clean politicians" to the state and the country.