Gandhinagar: The Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) has come under scrutiny after fielding Aslam Khilji as its candidate from Ward No. 8 in the Jamnagar Municipal Corporation elections. Khilji, a former opposition leader of JMC, is reportedly facing more than 12 criminal cases, including allegations of firing, gang wars, open sword attacks, violent clashes, and land grabbing.

Khilji, who has been booked under the Gujarat Control of Terrorism and Organised Crime (GujCTOC) Act and is currently in police remand, has a criminal history dating back to 2002. Police complaints (FIRs) against him include serious offences such as violent confrontations near Lal Bunglow Circle in Jamnagar and incidents of firing linked to past rivalries.

The development has triggered concern within the party ranks. Several aspirants who had earlier expressed interest in contesting the elections are now reportedly withdrawing after learning of Khilji’s candidature. Party workers have also expressed shock over the decision to nominate a candidate with such a background.

Amid the fallout, AAP Gujarat president Isudan Gadhvi is said to have issued urgent instructions to party workers to identify and persuade candidates to contest. He has allegedly directed workers to go door-to-door, convince individuals to file nominations, and even plead with them if necessary.

The situation has raised broader questions about candidate selection within the party. Notably, AAP has already struggled to find candidates for the Umreth Assembly by-election. Against this backdrop, the decision to nominate a history-sheeter in Jamnagar has led to unease among party members, particularly those who joined the party with expectations of clean and ethical politics. DeshGujarat