AAP MLA Abdul Rehman resigns from party, joins Congress ahead of Delhi Assembly elections

In a major blow to the Aam Aadmi Party ahead of the upcoming Assembly elections in Delhi, Seelampur MLA Abdul Rehman quit the party and joined Congress on Tuesday. In his resignation letter, Rehman also accused AAP national convenor Arvind Kejriwal of avoiding public issues for his political gains. "Today, I resign from the primary membership of the Aam Aadmi Party. The party has become entangled in power politics and has neglected the rights of Muslims. Arvind Kejriwal has consistently avoided addressing public issues for his political gains. I will continue to fight for justice and rights," Rehman added. 

Rehman was denied ticket from Seelampur 

Rehman's resignation came after he was denied a ticket from Seelampur for the upcoming elections. AAP had announced its second list of candidates a day earlier, replacing Rahman with Zubair Ahmed as the Seelampur candidate. Within 24 hours, Rehman accused the party of neglecting minority rights and declared his resignation from primary membership.

Month-long discontent

Rehman’s dissatisfaction with the party had reportedly been brewing for a month, beginning with Zubair Ahmed’s induction into AAP. Speculation about Rehman leaving AAP for Congress gained momentum after this development. On October 29, Rehman had resigned from his position as the head of AAP’s minority wing, citing differences in ideology.

Delhi Assembly Elections 2025

The Legislative Assembly elections of Delhi for all 70 constituencies are scheduled to be held on or before February 2025. The previous Assembly elections were held in February 2020. After the election, the Aam Aadmi Party formed the state government, with Arvind Kejriwal becoming Chief Minister for a third term. The tenure of the 7th Delhi Assembly is scheduled to end on 15 February 2025.

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