In a fresh wave of discontent within the opposition alliance, Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) has accused Congress of working in tandem with the Bhartiya Janata Party (BJP) to secure a win in Delhi, a charge that has created ripples within the INDIA bloc. On Thursday, AAP Chief Minister Atishi voiced her allegation’s, claiming Congress is helping BJP to gain ground in Delhi. This comes amid growing tensions between the two parties over the upcoming Delhi elections.
AAP’s Plan to Consult Other INDIA Bloc Parties
Sources close to AAP reveal that the party is considering consultations with other members of the INDIA bloc in a bid to remove Congress from the alliance. This move could significantly affect opposition unity ahead of the crucial 2024 Delhi elections. The decision to distance themselves from Congress follows a complaint filed by the latter against AAP convener Arvind Kejriwal, accusing him of misleading the public with false promises regarding non-substantial welfare schemes.
Atishi further demanded that if the National Congress is not involved in Delhi Congress’ alleged conspiracy, then they must take swift action against the party’s Delhi leaders. “If National Congress is not involved, they must act against their Delhi leaders,” Atishi insisted.
Sanjay Singh’s Strong Words Against Congress Leadership
AAP leader Sanjay Singh also weighed in on the issue, particularly focusing on Congress leader Ajay Maken’s controversial remarks. Maken had publicly called Kejriwal “anti-national,” which led to AAP’s demand for disciplinary action against him. “If Congress does not act against Ajay Maken for his remarks, we will be forced to talk to other allies in the INDIA bloc to remove Congress from the alliance,” Singh warned.
A Controversial Exchange: Maken’s Remarks on AAP
The controversy intensified following Ajay Maken’s comments on the alliance between Congress and AAP in 2013. Maken argued that the Congress’ support for AAP during that year contributed to its decline in Delhi, labelling it a “mistake” that needed to be rectified before the 2024 Lok Sabha elections. This statement struck a raw nerve within AAP, leading to a public fallout.
Samajwadi Party Shows Support for AAP
Amid the unfolding dispute, Samajwadi Party (SP) leader Fakhrul Hasan Chaand offered support to AAP, criticizing Maken’s language. He stressed that SP remained committed to opposition unity and to defeating BJP in Delhi. Chaand also suggested that the national leadership of both AAP and Congress should have a conversation to resolve the matter. He even offered to mediate between the two parties if necessary, while reaffirming SP’s support for Kejriwal and his party’s efforts to challenge BJP.
Congress Defends Its Stance
Congress, on the other hand, has dismissed AAP’s accusations, with party leaders vehemently defending their actions. Abhishek Dutt, a senior Congress leader, accused Kejriwal of looting Delhi and of targeting Congress leaders for no valid reason. He also mentioned the Jangpura constituency, which AAP has been focusing on, stating that Kejriwal’s attacks are a tactic to divert attention from his imminent electoral defeat.
Congress candidate from Jangpura, Farhad Suri, also responded sharply, dismissing Atishi’s allegations as unfounded and claiming that the real fight in Delhi was between Congress and BJP, not AAP. Suri firmly rejected any suggestions that Congress might be colluding with BJP, calling it “foolish talk” and urging AAP to focus on more serious issues.
