AAP Removes Preeti Malhotra as Punjab Women Wing Chief After Internal Revolt

• Jun 2, 2025

Chandigarh – In a swift disciplinary move, the Punjab unit of the Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) on Monday removed Preeti Malhotra from her position as state women wing president and handed over additional charge of the post to vice-president Amandeep Kaur.

The action comes in response to Malhotra’s open rebellion against her own party’s leadership. She had recently led a dharna (protest), accusing AAP of neglecting long-time party workers in favour of turncoats and leaders from Delhi.

A senior AAP leader said the decision to elevate Amandeep Kaur was a recognition of her loyalty and dedication to the party.

“If Malhotra had grievances, she should have addressed them through internal party channels. Breaching party discipline cannot be tolerated,” the leader said.

Malhotra, who was appointed as the state women wing chief in January 2023, has been voicing dissent for several weeks. She claims that genuine grassroots workers who have supported AAP from the beginning are being sidelined, while newcomers and leaders brought in from Delhi are being given prominence.

“The party is now dominated by people who have come from other parties or have been imported from Delhi,” Malhotra said. “These defeated leaders are damaging the original vision and policies of AAP.”

Her protest has drawn hundreds of supporters, signaling deeper discontent among AAP’s older cadre in Punjab. The leadership, however, appears intent on quelling internal rebellion swiftly to maintain discipline and unity ahead of key political battles in the state.