Daijiworld Media Network – Panaji

Panaji, Oct 9: In a surprising development, Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) Goa’s working president Rajesh Kalangutkar resigned from the party, expressing dissatisfaction over AAP national convenor Arvind Kejriwal’s remarks on political alliances during his recent visit to the state.

Kalangutkar submitted his resignation just two days after Kejriwal concluded his three-day visit to Goa, which began on October 3. The outgoing leader cited Kejriwal’s statement that AAP will contest the upcoming elections independently, without forming alliances with any other party, as the reason for his decision.

“I am resigning from the post of working president as well as from the primary membership of the party,” Kalangutkar said, adding that Kejriwal’s announcement clearly signals that AAP will go solo, potentially dividing opposition votes and benefiting the BJP.

Kalangutkar, who had unsuccessfully contested the 2022 Goa Legislative Assembly elections from the Mayem constituency on an AAP ticket, emphasized that the people of Goa want opposition parties to unite against the BJP. “The division of votes will only serve the ruling party’s advantage,” he stated.

During his visit, Kejriwal addressed multiple public meetings across the state, including one in Mayem constituency, which was attended by Kalangutkar. The resignation marks a significant setback for AAP in Goa ahead of the upcoming elections.