AAP used my surname for electoral gain despite protest: Ashutosh

New Delhi | After the recent controversy in the Aam Aadmi Party over asking East Delhi Lok Sabha nominee Atishi Marlena to drop her surname and just use Atishi because it sounds Christian, the Delhi based party has now landed in yet another fresh trouble.

Former AAP leader and journalist Ashutosh on Wednesday accused the party of using his surname to invoke caste based sentiment in the last 2014 general elections. Ashutosh who avoids using his surname publicly, said that the party while introducing him to the workers in the last general election promptly used his surname ‘Gupta’ despite his protest. Ashutosh contested the 2014 general election from Chandani Chowk constituency. However, he was defeated by BJP leader Dr Harshvardan with more than 1.3 lakh votes.

Taking on Twitter Ashutosh wrote, “In 23 years of my journalism, no one asked my caste, surname. Was known by my name. But as I was introduced to party workers as LOKSABHA candidate in 2014 my surname was promptly mentioned despite my protest.”

In 23 years of my journalism, no one asked my caste, surname. Was known by my name. But as I was introduced to party workers as LOKSABHA candidate in 2014 my surname was promptly mentioned despite my protest. Later I was told – सर आप जीतोगे कैसे, आपकी जाति के यहाँ काफी वोट हैं ।

— ashutosh (@ashutosh83B) August 29, 2018

Atishi Marlena who was earlier the adviser of Manish Sisodia is known for her work to improve the education system in Delhi district was asked to drop her surname in order to tackle BJP, who is portraying Atishi Marlena as a Christain in front of the voters. After party’s order Atishi has changed her Twitter handle from @Atishimarlena to @AtishAAP. Along with the disappearance of her last name on the banner, her name has been changed on all the banners, hoardings and even on the website of AAP.