6-time MLA Shoaib Iqbal quits AAP, says will never return
What's the story
Former Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) MLA Shoaib Iqbal has resigned from the party, vowing to "never return." The resignation comes after the AAP announced its candidates for the Municipal Corporation of Delhi (MCD) bypolls. Iqbal was unhappy with the party's decision to field Muddasir Usman Qureshi for the Chandni Mahal ward instead of his choice, Kashif Qureshi. "The party was born out of a movement, but it has lost its way. I have resigned...and will never return," Iqbal said.
Party discontent
More members could leave AAP soon
Expressing his frustration further, he said, "I have been a six-time MLA from the area. My son was a councillor and had won with the highest margin. When he contested in the Assembly polls, he won with the highest margin. Nobody knows the candidate fielded by the party (for the MCD bypoll)." He also hinted that more members could leave the party soon.
Candidate controversy
AAP defends decision, slams Iqbal
The AAP defended its decision to field Muddasir, a Delhi Youth Wing co-secretary, saying he was chosen based on an internal survey. In a statement, AAP said it avoids giving tickets to relatives so that ordinary workers get a fair opportunity. "However, Shoaib Iqbal announced his brother-in-law, Kashif Qureshi, as the party's candidate without consulting the organization," it said.
Family impact
It has deeply hurt our family: Son
Reacting to his father's resignation, Aaley Mohammad Iqbal, an AAP MLA from Matia Mahal, said it had "deeply hurt" their family. He said, "Before appointing a candidate, they didn't consult me or my father." Shoaib has been elected from Matia Mahal since 1993 across various parties, including the Janata Dal and the Congress, before joining AAP in 2020.