In a setback to the Aam Aadmi Party, former high court judge Fakhruddin, who was named the party's candidate in Rae Bareli against Congress president Sonia Gandhi, on Tuesday withdrew from the fray.

AAP sources said that the judge has withdrawn his candidature.

However, the reasons for his withdrawal are not yet known.

Justice (retd) Fakhruddin has served as judge in Madhya Pradesh and Chhattisgarh high courts and his candidature from the prestigious seat was recently announced in the 14th list of AAP candidates for the Lok Sabha elections.

With Fakhruddin's exit, the sources said social worker Archana Srivastava may be named the AAP candidate from the seat.