Tension increases between Aam Aadmi Party and Congress before Delhi elections, demand to exclude Congress from ‘India’ alliance

Tension is at its peak between Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) and Congress before the upcoming assembly elections in Delhi. Taking a tough stance against Congress, AAP has demanded the ouster of Congress from the ‘India’ alliance within 24 hours. On Thursday, AAP leaders Atishi and Sanjay Singh held a press conference and made serious allegations against Congress and talked about breaking their hopes.

AAP’s attack on Congress: mention of Haryana and ‘friendly fight’

Referring to the Haryana Assembly elections, Sanjay Singh said that AAP had tried to form an alliance with Congress there.

• Friendly fight claim:
  • AAP did not make any sharp statements against Congress in Haryana and targeted BJP.
  • He believed that this move would strengthen future cooperation between Congress and AAP.
• outcome:
  • The election results in Haryana were disappointing for both the parties.

Congress’ aggressive stance in Delhi

AAP alleges that Congress has spoiled the atmosphere in Delhi by adopting an aggressive stance against AAP.

• Sheesh Mahal controversy and Mahila Samman Yojana:
  • Congress tried to corner AAP on these issues.
• Benefit to BJP:
  • AAP believes that this stand of Congress is directly benefiting BJP.

AAP’s concerns: Anti-incumbency and Congress candidates

This time AAP is facing 10 years of anti-incumbency and aggressive campaigning by Congress.

• Analysis of previous elections:
  • In 2015 and 2020, AAP had registered a landslide victory, but Congress voters had shifted towards AAP in large numbers.
  • If Congress pulls back its vote bank, AAP’s votes will be divided and BJP will benefit.
• Congress Strategy:
  • Congress has announced candidates for more than half the seats.
  • On Kejriwal’s New Delhi seat:
    • Congress has given ticket to Sandeep Dikshit (son of former Chief Minister Sheila Dikshit).
  • In Jangpura:
    • Congress has fielded Farhad Suri against Manish Sisodia.
  • This strategy is creating problems for AAP.

AAP alleges: ‘Congress is in collusion with BJP’

AAP leaders Sanjay Singh and Atishi accused Congress of colluding with BJP.

• List made in BJP office:
  • Sanjay Singh alleges that the list of Congress candidates is being prepared in the BJP office.
• Election funding allegations:
  • Atishi claimed that Sandeep Dixit and Farhad Suri are getting funds from BJP.
• Statement against Congress:
  • Atishi said that Congress is doing everything which benefits BJP.

BJP’s strategy: Attack on Kejriwal and Sisodia

BJP has also made preparations to corner AAP.

• Against Kejriwal:
  • BJP may field Pravesh Verma, son of former Chief Minister Sahib Singh Verma, from New Delhi seat.
• Against Sisodia:
  • Congress has created problems for Sisodia by fielding a Muslim candidate from Jangpura seat.

AAP’s concerns and future path

AAP believes that this attitude of Congress will indirectly benefit BJP.

• Question on alliance:
  • AAP has questioned the role of Congress in the ‘India’ alliance and demanded its ouster.
• Impact on Lok Sabha elections:
  • AAP leaders have indicated that the public is also unhappy with the alliance with Congress.