Former Congress MLA Sumesh Shokeen Joins AAP

Introduction

In a significant political move, Sumesh Shokeen, a former Member of the Legislative Assembly (MLA) from the Congress party, has joined the Aam Aadmi Party (AAP). The announcement was made in New Delhi, with AAP's National Convener, Arvind Kejriwal, welcoming Shokeen to the party.

Reasons for Joining AAP

Sumesh Shokeen cited the development work in Delhi's rural areas, known as Delhi Dehat, as his primary reason for joining AAP. He expressed his admiration for the efforts made under Arvind Kejriwal's leadership to connect and develop these areas. Shokeen stated, "The work being done for Delhi Dehat and to connect Delhi Dehat with Delhi has been carried out under the leadership of Arvind Kejriwal. I will work with Arvind Kejriwal for the people of Delhi Dehat and my constituency."

Arvind Kejriwal's Response

Arvind Kejriwal welcomed Shokeen to the party and highlighted the developmental initiatives undertaken by his government in Delhi's rural regions. He mentioned that before his government, the people of Delhi Dehat felt neglected and ignored. Kejriwal recalled an incident from 2012-13 when a journalist asked the then Chief Minister Sheila Dikshit about crop damage due to hailstorms, and she was unaware that farming occurred in Delhi. Kejriwal emphasized that his government provided compensation to farmers and built essential infrastructure like mohalla clinics, schools, and hospitals in Delhi Dehat.

Support from AAP Leaders

AAP MLA Durgesh Pathak also expressed his support for Shokeen's decision to join AAP. He noted that Shokeen, a prominent figure from Delhi Dehat, was impressed by the development work led by Arvind Kejriwal and decided to become a member of AAP.