With the Lok Sabha election barely few months away politicians are busy shifting loyalties and joining rival parties. Former Mumbai Regional Congress Committee general secretary Ajit Sawant has quit Congress to join Aam Aadmi Party. Sawant was unhappy with the functioning of the Congress party and had rebelled against the party. In the past, Sawant had written a letter to Chief Minister Prithviraj Chavan alleging that some ministers have been misguiding the party. Later, Sawant was suspended by Maharashtra Congress Pradesh Committee president Manikrao Thakre. He also has been held responsible for the Congress party’s mediocre performance in the Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation election held in February, 2012. Sawant is expecting that many other leaders will emulate him and join AAP as they too are not happy with the party’s working style. He rebelled against the party after Congress denied ticket to a candidate backed by him.
Prior to joining AAP Sawant remained in contact with Congress for rejoining the party. Many leaders from the party were keen to reinstate him. However, Congress was reluctant to reinstate him as they worried that media and opposition might question the decision taken by the party to bring back such a leader who had turned rebellious.
Hussain Dalwai, Member of Parliament from Rajya Sabha spoke to AV and said, “The party had plans to reinstate Sawant but later they had second thoughts about the decision to bring back such a leader who had turned rebel. Since Ajit Sawant had limited options hence he finally decided to join AAP. He had taken this decision in a haste and could have waited for some more time. Sawant has not taken a right decision to join AAP.”
Talking to AV Ajit Sawant said, “I have joined AAP not as politician but as a common man. AAP is the only party in India which is connected with the common man at grassroots level. I will work for the development of the party and welfare of the common man.”
Congress party leaders are not pleased with Sawant’s decision to join AAP and criticised him.
Sanjay Nirupam, Congress MP said, “I am not bothered about Ajit Sawant’s decision to join AAP. I don’t want to comment about this issue.”
Sachin Sawant, state Congress spokesperson said, “AAP party has a long way to go. Ajit Sawant’ s decision to join AAP won’t affect the functioning of Congress party.”
