AAP leader calls Arvind Kejriwal dictator, expelled

NEW DELHI: AAP and controversy are never too far apart. On Sunday, a faction of its national council members suddenly asked for Arvind Kejriwal to be replaced as convener by Kumar Vishwas, senior party member and its Lok Sabha candidate from Amethi.

The dissenters were led by Ashwini Upadhyay who has been accusing Kejriwal of being dictatorial and of having close contact with Congress. Upadhyay was expelled from the party later.

Upadhyay alleged that he met Kumar on April 4 and discussed the matter with him. "Kumar agreed with me that the party needed re-structuring but this was not the time for it. On Saturday, some of us decided that Kumar would be best suited to lead the party since he is not anti-nationalistic or pro-Congress. Before we could convene a meeting, I was informed that I had been expelled without a notice. I will take legal action against Kejriwal and Pankaj Gupta, AAP's national secretary," he added.

Meanwhile, Kumar on Sunday tweeted: "Besides being my leader, AK is my brother too! Whosoever is trying to reap a divide is unaware of our strong bonding. Luv U." Party sources said that Kumar was attending a media function and it was probable that the two met. "But it is ridiculous to suggest that any such exchange took place between them," they said.

The party has alleged that Upadhyay was disgruntled afte he had been denied a ticket. The letter terminating Upadhyay's membership said: "In the past one month it has been observed that you made a series of statements and allegation in public forums... which have brought disrepute to the image of the party. In this regard a showcause notice was sent to you on April 2. You have, however, failed to reply to the notice; therefore it is presumed you have no explanation to offer. The disciplinary action committee has decided to expel you and terminate your primary membership."