AAP chief Arvind Kejriwal annouced Bhagwant Mann's candidature from Jalalabad for Punjab polls.
Bhagwant Mann, stand-up comedian-turned politician and Aam Aadmi Party's lawmaker from Sangrur in Punjab, will fight Deputy Chief Minister Sukhbir Singh Badal from his assembly constituency of Jalalabad in the upcoming elections.
Mr Mann, 43, was dismissed from parliament in July after he was accused of compromising the security of the premises through a video he had shot while entering the building, which was widely shared on social media. He has been barred from attending the proceedings till the probe against him is complete.
The announcement was made by AAP chief Arvind Kejriwal, who kicked off his 11-day tour of the state in the Akalis stronghold.
'I propose Bhagwant Mann to be or candidate against Sukhbir Badal from where ever he contests,' said Kejriwal while asking the crowd present at the rally ground in the grain market.
To Congress workers showing black flags as Mr Kejriwal's cavalcade entered Jalalabad, he said the Congress was working hand-in-glove with the Akalis.
'These Congress workers always show black flags to us, do they ever show black flags to Badals? Both Congress and Akali Dal are hand in glove in looting Punjab,' Mr Kejriwal said during his public address.
The Delhi Chief Minister will address 21 public meetings during his Punjab visit.
In reaction, Sukhbir Badal asked Mr Kejriwal not to hide behind proxies and instead contest against him from Jalalabad in the elections.
"You can easily test your popularity by contesting against me from Jalalabad. Why don't you make a statement regarding this during your ongoing visit to Punjab. Let the people also know your mettle. Are you only good at fighting others through proxies or do you have it in you to bite the bullet too," Mr Badal said.