Kejriwal to embark on Punjab tour today

Delhi chief minister Arvind Kejriwal will undertake a four-day visit to poll-bound Punjab, beginning Thursday, and hear out the grievances of party workers in the state. The visit comes at a time when the Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) is facing "crisis" over several issues, including the sacking of Sucha Singh Chhotepur as the party’s sate Convenor.

During his tour, he will meet party volunteers, workers, including those who are "angry over not getting party tickets", amid "growing voices of rebel" and allegations of exploitation of women which could threaten to derail the party's prospects in high-stake 2017 Assembly polls.

"He will meet volunteers, observers, workers. He will also meet those who are unhappy over not getting party tickets. He will hear out anyone who has any grievance with the party," AAP's Punjab Co-convenor and MLA Jarnail Singh said.

"He wants to say that he is in Punjab and do not worry. If you have any problem or grievance, I am here to listen to you," Singh said.

Kejriwal’s visit assumes significance as the AAP was facing "crisis" after Chhotepur was removed as party's Punjab Convenor for allegedly accepting money on the basis of a sting video. Chhotepur received "huge support" from party volunteers in the state and has now been undertaking 'Punjab Parivartan Yatra' and meeting volunteers to decide the future course of action.

Former Punjab Convenor had even claimed that out of 32 declared party nominees, 25 were facing "stiff opposition" from party volunteers so far. Six out of 13 party's zonal coordinators had even decided to support Chhotepur. Rebel party workers had even accused party's senior leadership of sidelining Punjab leaders and threatened to show black flags to Kejriwal when he would visit the state.