Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) chief Arvind Kejriwal has categorically dismissed any possibility of an alliance with the Congress for the upcoming Delhi Assembly elections scheduled for early 2025. Kejriwal’s remarks come amidst heightened speculation about the political dynamics within the INDIA bloc, of which both AAP and Congress are members.
“No Alliance With Congress”: Kejriwal
Addressing the media on Wednesday, Arvind Kejriwal made it clear that AAP would contest the Delhi Assembly polls “on its own strength.” He reiterated that there is “no possibility” of a coalition with Congress, marking a departure from their earlier alliance for the Lok Sabha elections.
“AAP has always relied on its grassroots support in Delhi, and this time will be no different,” Kejriwal said, emphasizing the party’s commitment to independent campaigns.
Congress Stands Firm on Contesting Alone
The Congress has also ruled out an alliance with AAP in Delhi, with state party chief Devender Yadav stating that contesting independently is in Congress’s best interest.
“We would have performed better in the Lok Sabha elections without an alliance with AAP. The anti-incumbency sentiment against the ruling AAP in Delhi gives us a strong opportunity to contest all 70 seats on our own,” Yadav said, referencing the outcomes of their Nyay Yatras across the state.
Past Electoral Collaborations
In the 2024 Lok Sabha elections, the INDIA bloc parties, including AAP and Congress, formed seat-sharing arrangements to counter the BJP. However, both parties ran independently in the Haryana Assembly elections in October, reflecting their differing electoral strategies at the state level.
Gopal Rai, AAP’s Delhi convener, previously clarified that the seat-sharing deal with Congress was limited to the parliamentary elections and would not extend to the Delhi Assembly polls.
AAP’s Performance and Challenges
AAP, which achieved landslide victories in the 2015 and 2020 Delhi Assembly elections, winning 67 and 62 seats respectively, is now aiming for a third consecutive term. However, the party faces mounting challenges, including anti-incumbency sentiments and a stronger opposition.
The BJP, which swept all seven Lok Sabha seats in Delhi earlier this year, is gearing up to challenge AAP’s dominance in the state. Meanwhile, Congress is focusing on reviving its electoral presence in the capital, with Yadav asserting the party’s readiness to compete on all 70 seats.
INDIA Bloc’s Complex Dynamics
The decision of both AAP and Congress to contest independently underscores the complexities within the INDIA bloc, a coalition aimed at opposing the BJP. The lack of unity among its members in Delhi raises questions about the bloc’s broader electoral strategy and cohesion.
As the Delhi Assembly elections approach, the political landscape remains charged with intense competition and evolving strategies. Kejriwal’s assertion of AAP’s independence signals a high-stakes battle ahead, with both Congress and BJP seeking to capitalize on the challenges faced by the ruling party.
This news report is curated with insights from multiple reliable news sources.
