KKN Gurugram desk| In a significant development for the INDIA alliance, the Trinamool Congress (TMC) and Samajwadi Party (SP) have extended their support to the Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) for the upcoming Delhi assembly elections. However, the Congress party has expressed concerns, citing the sacrifices it is making for the coalition’s unity.
Congress Voices Concerns Over Support Dynamics
Reacting to SP chief Akhilesh Yadav’s remark that AAP is stronger than Congress in Delhi, Congress General SecretaryKC Venugoal psaid:
“We respect the sentiments of our INDIA alliance partners. However, they must also understand that Congress is sacrificing many things to ensure the coalition’s success.”
Venugopal reaffirmed Congress’s commitment to contesting elections in Delhi independently, emphasizing,
“Our fight in Delhi is strong and clear.”
Akhilesh Yadav and TMC Rally for AAP
SP Chief Akhilesh Yadav defended his decision to back AAP, stating:
“The INDIA alliance remains intact. From the start, we decided to support regional parties where they are strong. AAP holds significant influence in Delhi, so it is logical to back them in defeating BJP.”
Similarly, Abhishek Banerjee, TMC General Secretary, echoed these sentiments:
“Why should we indirectly help BJP by not supporting AAP? The INDIA bloc agreed that regional parties should lead where they have strength, whether it’s DMK in Tamil Nadu, JMM in Jharkhand, or AAP in Delhi.”
AAP and Congress: Growing Tensions Within INDIA Bloc
Despite being part of the INDIA alliance, both AAP and Congress are contesting the elections separately. AAP, confident of its dominance in Delhi, has accused Congress of indirectly aiding the BJP by targeting its leader, Arvind Kejriwal.
Congress, on the other hand, is working to regain its footing in Delhi, a state it hasn’t governed since 2013. The internal discord within the alliance raises concerns about the coalition’s ability to maintain a united front against the BJP.
