AAP expels MLA Sukhvir Maisarkhana after he raises school teacher shortage

Party Action

Ahead of the Punjab elections, the Aam Aadmi Party has expelled Maur MLA Sukhvir Singh Maisarkhana from the party. The action follows allegations that he was involved in anti-party activities, spread false rumors, and damaged the organization's image. Dainik Bhaskar reported that the controversy began when Maisarkhana shared a 14-minute live video on social media expressing emotional distress over conditions in his constituency.

The School Video

In the video, Maisarkhana raised the issue of a severe shortage of teachers in government schools within his area. He became emotional while talking about the problem and mentioned that his own children study in government schools—his son at a School of Eminence in Ramnagar near Maur and his daughter at a government primary school in Maisarkhana village. He stated that he had repeatedly brought this issue to senior party leaders, including Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann and former Delhi Deputy Chief Minister Manish Sisodia, without getting a full resolution. He also raised concerns about a government school in Burj Sehima village not being upgraded. Reports later noted that the school he mentioned already had 25 teachers, though the exact subject-wise shortages remained unclear.

Political Fallout

Maisarkhana declared in his live broadcast that he was speaking up for children and the public, adding that the party could cut his ticket if it wished. Following the video, BJP leader Ravneet Singh Bittu targeted the Punjab AAP government, stating that the MLA's remarks exposed gaps in the state's education system claims. Bittu questioned how ordinary parents and students would be heard if an elected MLA's complaints were ignored. Meanwhile, local political equations involve Lakhvir Singh, also known as Lakha Sidhana, who secured the second spot as an independent candidate with 28,091 votes against Maisarkhana's 63,099 votes in the 2022 elections, and was named head of Waris Punjab De for Maur in September.

Context

Elected representatives often face pressure when their public criticism of ruling administrations clashes with party discipline rules. This situation highlights the political sensitivity around government education claims in Punjab, where legislators balancing grassroots feedback and party unity can trigger rapid disciplinary measures.