New Delhi: 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: