Congress Seizes AAP Crisis Amid INDIA Alliance Collapse to Fuel Resurgence for Delhi Assembly Polls
11.07.2024: In a bid to stage a comeback in the upcoming Delhi Assembly elections, the Congress party is capitalizing on the internal crisis within the Aam Aadmi Party (AAP). The Delhi Congress is organizing a series of strategic meetings to galvanize its leaders and workers, aiming to challenge both the AAP and the BJP effectively.
Unraveling Alliance and Election Aftermath
The alliance between Congress and AAP, both key members of the Opposition INDIA bloc, has shown signs of strain following the Lok Sabha elections. The BJP clinched all seven seats in Delhi, with Congress and AAP dividing the constituencies among themselves. Despite their collaborative effort, the BJP’s dominance remained unchallenged.
Congress candidates J P Agarwal, Udit Raj, and Kanhaiya Kumar attributed their losses to the lack of cooperation from AAP during the campaign. This sentiment was echoed during a review meeting held by an AICC panel comprising senior leaders P L Punia and Rajani Patil. The report from this panel has been submitted to Congress President Mallikarjun Kharge, highlighting the challenges faced during the elections.
Rising Internal Tensions
Amidst the political dynamics, Congress leaders have openly discussed the lack of support from AAP, with some even criticizing their own party’s internal issues. One candidate pointed out the inactivity and divisive behavior within the Delhi Congress, while also accusing AAP of being insecure about losing support to Congress in the upcoming Assembly elections.
Congress’s Strategic Plans for Resurgence
With an eye on the 2025 Delhi Assembly elections, the Congress party is focusing on aggressive campaigning and highlighting the alleged failures of the AAP government. The Delhi Pradesh Congress Committee (DPCC) is planning protests against the AAP government, targeting issues such as flooding during the monsoon and the city’s crumbling civic infrastructure.
Capitalizing on AAP’s Troubles
The Congress sees an opportunity in the ongoing controversies surrounding AAP, particularly the alleged Delhi excise policy scam involving Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal and his former deputy Manish Sisodia. Congress leaders believe that AAP’s troubles could sway public opinion in their favor.
Building Grassroots Support
To strengthen its grassroots presence, the DPCC is holding district conventions and meetings in every Assembly constituency. These gatherings aim to mobilize party workers and prepare them for the upcoming elections. DPCC chief Devender Yadav emphasized the importance of activating and strengthening Block and District Congress Committees to enhance the party’s organizational structure.
Aggressive Campaigning Ahead
In meetings with district presidents and observers, the DPCC is formulating strategies to aggressively campaign against both the AAP and BJP governments. The Congress aims to expose the alleged lies, inaction, and incompetence of their rivals, positioning itself as the party capable of addressing Delhi’s issues.
Future of Congress-AAP Alliance
Despite being part of the INDIA alliance at the national level, the prospects of a seat-sharing pact between Congress and AAP for the Delhi Assembly elections appear bleak. AICC General Secretary Jairam Ramesh indicated that there might not be much scope for an alliance in Delhi and Haryana, underscoring the growing rift between the two parties.
As the Congress gears up for the Assembly polls, it hopes to leverage the AAP’s internal crisis and public discontent to regain its foothold in Delhi. With a focus on aggressive campaigning and grassroots mobilization, the Congress is determined to make a strong comeback in the national capital.