No internal democracy in AAP: MS Dhir

NEW DELHI: The fight for tickets in Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) took an ugly turn on Monday with MS Dhir, who served as speaker of Delhi assembly in the party's 49-day rule, hitting at the leadership for lacking in internal democracy. There were reports about the Jangpura MLA and at least five other sitting legislators being dropped from the list of candidates for the upcoming polls.

"I have spent my MLALAD fund properly and sent a report to the party. In fact, I received a message from the US wing of AAP, which is evaluating the performance of all MLAs, commending my work," Dhir claimed. He did not rule out joining BJP. "If the party invites me, I will seriously consider the offer," Dhir added.

AAP members, however, said Dhir's comments were made in frustration. "Those who don't get tickets always complain," said a senior member. Sources said AAP has finalized the first list of candidates which will be declared by the end of the week.

At least six former legislators including Dhir, Raju Dhingan, Dharmendra Singh Kohli, Harish Khanna and Rajesh Garg have been dropped. Dhingan, an MLA from Trilokpuri, is being denied a ticket for failing to handle the communal riots that spread in the locality.