‘Drunk’ Bhagwant Mann at Bargari bhog raises storm
Tuesday, 27/10/2015
http://www.indiapress.org/gen/news.php/The_Tribune/
Chandigarh : The state unit of the Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) today dismissed a video in which some persons had accused party’s Sangrur MP Bhagwant Mann for attending the bhog of police firing victims at Bargari in an inebriated state. The party termed the development a political conspiracy and said no action was required.
But party sources said the MP could be reprimanded. They said the video was being examined and the persons present on the occasion or those who accompanied Mann were being asked about the matter.
Mann is in the centre of a fresh controversy over his alleged drinking habit. Earlier also, videos reportedly showing him in an inebriated state, including the one at Chandigarh Press Club, had gone viral.
The rival parties have sought his resignation accusing him of disrespect to Guru Granth Sahib.
Party’s state convener Sucha Singh Chhotepur, who was also present at the Bargari event, said: “Bhagwant has told me that he was not drunk. I don’t see the need to take any action. The video has no authenticity. It is a conspiracy to defame the party.”
Mann could not be contacted, but in a note circulated in the party, he has denied being drunk on the occasion. “This is a political conspiracy to defame me. I didn’t go to the stage as our state leader Chhotepur was already sitting there,” he said.
Col LJS Gill (retd), an active party volunteer, has termed the video unverified and part of political vendetta, but said “we are verifying it”.
The Faridkot police have denied receiving any complaint against Mann so far.
Rivals seek resignation
The Akali Dal has asked AAP supporters to do "penance as they had voted for a wrong man". Daljeet Singh Cheema, party spokesperson, said Mann showed disrespect to Guru Granth Sahib.
The BJP said party convener Arvind Kejriwal should take an exemplary action against Mann. Tarun Chugh, BJP national secretary, said it was unfortunate that Mann chose to attend the bhog under the influence of liquor.
Villagers back MP
A group of residents of Behbal Khurd and Niami villages have released a statement defending Bhagwant Mann. They said they had met the MP at Bargari immediately after the bhog and he seemed completely normal. The residents said Mann listened to their problems and behaved normally.
