Author: Zee Media Bureau
Publication: Zee News
Date: February 4, 2015
URL: http://zeenews.india.com/news/delhi/aam-aadmi-partys-okhla-candidate-supported-indian-mujahideen-operative_1541147.html

In a major setback to the Aam Aadmi Party ahead of the Delhi Assembly Elections, Major Dr Surendra Poonia on Tuesday quit AAP accusing the party of steering away from its original ethos and objectives.

In a letter addressed to AAP chief Arvind Kejriwal, Vishisht Seva Medal awardee Poonia mentioned that AAP leader from Okhla, Amanatullah Khan, was supporting Zia-Ur-Rehman, an alleged Indian Mujahideen operative accused of blasts in Delhi and Ahmedabad.

He further claimed that he was sure that AAP gave ticket to Amanutullah despite knowing about his past record.

“As an Army man, I can't support a person, ideology or party that is compromising with country's security,” added Poonia, who fought Lok Sabha elections on AAP ticket from Sikar, Rajasthan.

Raking up the allegation of fraud funding levelled by NGO AVAM, Poonia asked how Kejriwal, as an income tax officer, did not know about this fraud.

Poonia concluded by saying that he could no more remain a part of the movement which is compromising with national security.

Here's the copy of the letter:

Major Dr. Surendra Poonla,VSM                                                                     Dated —3'dFeb 2015
Sspoonia10@gmail.com

Dear Shri Arvind Kejriwal ji,

Greetings,

After taking everything into consideration. I have decided to resign from Aam adami Party.

I was part of a movement that is 'India Against Corruption' the movement so ably led by Anna and was a movement against corruption prevailing in the society (as opposed to specific political parties). As a proud soldier with stints served in Kashmir, united nations & Rashtrapati Bhawan, I thought AAP is a great Opportunity to serve the country through political means as well. That's why I fought Loksabha election from Sikar, Rajasthan; as AAP candidate.

I joined AAP for its transparency, honesty and democratic values. There were many other leaders but I supported you believing that it will be a great start to clean politics and bring positive changes in country. However, the events in the last 3 couple of days have led me to believe that the party is now straying from its original ethos & objectives and therefore in conflict with morals and values that I hold dear.

Yesterday, many news channels spoke about Okhla's AAP candidate Amanatullah Khan. He was supporting Delhi &Ahmadabad bomb blasts accused Indian Mujahiddin front men Zia-ur-Rahman. He is facing charges under 10.11 'PC sections. As a soldier of the country who served in Jammu & Kashmir and fought against terrorists, seen my seniors, colleagues and junior laying their life for country. I absolutely, and without a second thought, refuse to support a person, organisation, party or ideology that is compromising with country's security. I am sure you would be fully aware, yet you decided to give ticket to the person in question.

Moreover, yesterday a few former MP members revealed that donations were accepted from fake/bogus companies that too of tunes of 50 laths. The party is denying the charges but it is in public space now and Being an income tax officer and party chief, how can you not be aware of this fraud. Shocking!. And extremely sad...unbelievable, but the truth is in front of the whole nation.

Dear Sir, I cannot be part of a movement, which is compromising with national security, and based on dishonest/illegal funding.

I wish you good health.