Flanked by five other MLAs including MLA Kharar Kanwar Sandhu, MLA Bhadaur Pirmal Singh, Mansahia MLA Mansa Nazer Singh, MLA Maur Jagdev Singh Kamalu, and MLA Raikot Jagtar Singh at a press briefing, Khaira called the party’s decision “arbitrary that had to be revoked”.
Sandhu said Khaira's removal was announced on Twitter without any intimation to Khaira.
Two more MLAs, including Bathinda city’s Rupinder Kaur Ruby, joined the press conference
Sandhu said eight lawmakers have sent a signed letter to party head Arvind Kejriwal asking him to resolve the crisis. He also claimed many state office bearers and zonal leaders have sent their resignations, but none has been accepted so far.
Khaira held a meeting with five AAP MLAs at his house in Sector 5 earlier in the day. The meeting lasted for over an hour.
An AAP MLA, requesting his name not be used, said there were ongoing efforts to diffuse the situation by convincing Khaira to avoid further confrontation with the state and national unit.
Interestingly, 14 of the 20 AAP MLAs had previously sided with Khaira openly on various issues.
On Thursday, 15 AAP MLAs had signed consent for replacing Khaira with Cheema and one among them, Pirmal Singh, was at Khaira's house for the meeting today.
The Aam Aadmi Party on Thursday removed Sukhpal Singh Khaira as the Leader of Opposition in Punjab Assembly and announced Dirba MLA Harpal Singh Cheema would take his place.
No specific reason for replacing Khaira was given by the party.
