No rift between myself and AAP: Shazia Ilmi

Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) leader Shazia Ilmi on Wednesday put to rest on any differences existing between the AAP and herself over her decision not to contest from Rae Bareli, Uttar Pradesh, in the 2014 general elections. "If I have written something on Twitter just to express my thoughts as to why I am not contesting from Rae Bareli, does that amount to being a rebellion. Can't I even have the freedom to express my disagreement," asked Ilmi.

The AAP leader also tried to corroborate with facts that how hard it will be for her to contest from Rae Bareli. "I have no idea or whereabouts on Rae Bareli, as I do not live in that place. When there was talk of contesting the Rae Bareli seat, I even offered to campaign on behalf of Ashish Khaitan, as he is a good journalist. Moreover, my daughter is having her exams. Hence, I cannot give any time to nurture that constituency. Due to family reasons, I cannot make a move or shift to another place," Ilmi added.

Ilmi expressed hope that if the party wants her to contest in Delhi, she will be more than happy to oblige as a true blue soldier of the AAP. "I have a special bonding with the people of Delhi. Hence, I look forward to contesting from here, as I have already contested the Assembly polls from the R.K. Puram seat. I have various things to do for the party, and I am always ready to campaign for all the candidates of the AAP as a true fighter. My small disapproval of not contesting from Rae Bareli should not be seen something in poor light." the AAP leader said.

On Tuesday, Ilmi, using Twitter, sought to quell speculation that she would be pitted against Congress president Sonia Gandhi in the Lok Sabha polls, saying she "never agreed" to contest from Rae Bareli.