'Underperformer' MS Dhir was not getting a ticket, claims AAP

The Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) on Friday attempted to downplay MS Dhir's decision to join the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP), saying there was a very bleak possibility of his winning the upcoming Delhi Assembly polls.

"Around two weeks ago, Sanjay Singh and I called him personally and informed him that his performance in the assembly was not good and that there was a little possibility of his getting a ticket as a candidate. Our feedback was based on what our volunteers told us and surveys that we undertook in his constituency," AAP spokesperson Ashutosh told ANI here.

"There was a very bleak possibility of his winning the elections. So, we told him categorically that his performance was not good and that there was a strong possibility of him being denied a ticket," he added. Ashutosh further said that if a person has joined the AAP in order to hold power, then that person should resign from the party immediately.

"If anybody has merely joined our party to contest elections or to hold a position, it is better if they leave the party," he said. Earlier in the day, senior AAP leaders Dhir and Harish Khanna joined the BJP.
With the Union Cabinet recommending the dissolution of the Delhi Assembly and setting the stage for fresh elections in the days to come, political parties have begun finalizing their poll campaign strategy to grab power here. President's rule was imposed in Delhi since February after Kejriwal resigned as the Chief Minister after remaining in power for 49 days.