Kejriwal apologises to Dalit activist Bant Singh over induction of his tormentors into AAP

The Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) national convener, Arvind Kejriwal, began a three-day tour of Punjab on Tuesday. Kejriwal will address a rally at Lambi, the constituency of the Punjab chief minister Parkash Singh Badal on Wednesday where he may announce candidature of Delhi MLA Jarnail Singh against the chief minister.

Kejriwal, who is staying at the UT guest house here, met and apologised to Dalit singer and activist Bant Singh Jhabbar — father of a rape victim from Mansa — who recently joined the AAP. The party had in the same event also welcomed into its fold two of Bant Singh’s attackers. Though the party had removed them within hours of their joining, Bant Singh was assuaged by Kejriwal personally.

National spokesman of the party Sanjay Singh said it was an honest mistake. “But we are ashamed for what had happened. The minute I was told by journalists in Bathinda about the two accused, I ordered their removal,” he told mediapersons here on Tuesday. Bant Singh said Kejriwal, along with other leaders, apologised to him and he had “forgiven” the party leaders and would continue to work for the AAP.