From Congress to AAP: Know political journey of Sushil Kumar Rinku

Jalandhar, May 13: Sushil Kumar Rinku, a former Congress MLA who recently joined the Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) on April 5, has a long history in politics. In 2017, Rinku was elected as the Congress MLA from the Jalandhar West constituency.

Shortly after, the AAP announced him as a candidate for the upcoming local elections. Rinku's Facebook account cover photo shows him with Bhagwant Maan and Arvind Kejriwal, prominent members of the AAP. A look at Rinku's old posts reveals that on March 26, he participated in a satyagraha (a form of non-violent resistance) in support of Rahul Gandhi, a prominent figure in the Congress party.

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EDUCATION

Rinku completed his graduation from DAV College in Jalandhar, and has been actively involved in politics since his student days. He was a prominent member of the National Students' Union of India (NSUI) during his college days. 

POLITICAL CAREER

In 2006, he was elected as a councilor of the Jalandhar Municipal Corporation.

Politics runs in Rinku's family, as his father was a long-time Congress councilor. Rinku himself has served as a councilor twice, while his wife has also held the position once. Rinku is running for the first time from the Jalandhar West assembly seat, which was previously contested by senior Congress leader Mahindar KP.

In the upcoming Jalandhar West assembly election, Rinku will be contesting on behalf of the AAP. This will be his first time contesting from this seat, as he had previously contested for the Jalandhar West assembly seat. With Rinku's political experience and background, his joining the AAP is expected to give a boost to the party's prospects in the upcoming election.

SWITCHING PARTY

The Congress party has expelled former MLA Sushil Rinku amidst discussions of his joining the Aam Aadmi Party (AAP). The central in-charge of Punjab Congress, Harish Chowdhary, issued an order to expel Rinku from the party, accusing him of being involved in anti-party activities.

There has been a buzz for the past week about Rinku's plans to join the AAP. A program is scheduled for AAP convenor and Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal and Punjab Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann in Phagwara where, under the leadership of Kejriwal and Mann, where Rinku will join the AAP.

Rinku's departure from the Congress can prove to be a significant blow to the party. In the upcoming Lok Sabha by-election, the AAP may field Rinku against the Congress. Although Rinku's entry may increase resentment within the AAP, the party's high command is ready to bear the resentment.

The Lok Sabha seat of Jalandhar became vacant after Congress MP Santokh Singh Chowdhary passed away due to a heart attack during the Bharat Jodo Yatra. The Election Commission has announced the date of the by-election, which is scheduled for May 10, with results to be declared on Saturday.

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