Arvind Kejriwal issued an apology to Akali Dal’s Bikram Singh Majithia after he called him a ‘drug lord’. This caused much division within the Aam Aadmi Party. Following the apology, Bhagwat Mann resigned from the party.
Mann’s announcement came in the form of a tweet.
ਮੈਂ ਆਮ ਆਦਮੀ ਪਾਰਟੀ ਪੰਜਾਬ ਦੀ ਪ੍ਰਧਾਨਗੀ ਦੇ ਅਹੁਦੇ ਤੋਂ ਅਸਤੀਫ਼ਾ ਦੇ ਰਿਹਾ ਹਾਂ ..
I m resigning as a president of AAP Punjab …but my fight against drug mafia and all kind of corruption in Punjab will continue as an “Aam Aadmi “ of Punjab— Bhagwant Mann (@BhagwantMann) March 16, 2018
Kejriwal retracted his statement against Majithia in a letter on 15th March. Sukhpal Singh Khaira the leader of opposition in Punjab said, “We’re appalled and stunned by the apology of Arvind Kejriwal tendered today.” He further said, “We don’t hesitate to admit that we haven’t been consulted on this meek surrender by a leader of his stature.” AAP officials were surprised that Kejriwal took the decision on his own and gave into the pressure of giving one. Navjot Singh Sidhu called Kejriwal’s apology, a “murder of AAP in Punjab.”
Kejriwal’s statement was, “In the recent past I made certain statements and allegations against you regarding your alleged involvement in drug trade. These statements became a political issue. Now I’ve learnt that allegations are unfounded. Hence there should be no politics on such issues.” It also read, “I hereby withdrew all my statements and allegations made against you and apologise for the same.” Vishwas had much to say on the matter, calling Kejriwal an “Expert in dividing unity” he also said, “why spit on the person who is himself ready to spit and take it back.”
Majithia had for the same reason, filed a defamation case against Kejriwal, Sanjay Singh and Ashish Khetan in May, 2016 for falsely accusing him of being linked to the drug trade, the case is yet to be heard in the Amritsar court.