In a significant development, the Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) and the Congress have officially announced their alliance for the forthcoming Lok Sabha elections. The two parties have disclosed their agreements regarding seat distribution in Delhi, Gujarat, and Haryana.
Congress-AAP Collaboration in Gujarat
In Gujarat, the Congress is set to compete in 24 seats, while the AAP will field candidates in 2 constituencies. This strategic allocation was confirmed by Congress General Secretary and Member of Parliament Mukul Wasnik. He stated, "Gujarat, with its 26 Lok Sabha seats, will witness the Congress contesting in 24 constituencies, while the AAP will field candidates in Bharuch and Bhavnagar."
Haryana Seat Distribution
Moving to Haryana, where there are 10 Lok Sabha seats, the Congress will vie for 9, leaving one seat for the AAP in Kurukshetra. Wasnik clarified, "Out of the 10 seats in Haryana, the Congress will contest in 9, and the AAP will have its candidate in Kurukshetra.
Plan for Delhi
In the national capital, Delhi, the AAP will lead the charge by contesting in New Delhi, West Delhi, South Delhi, and East Delhi. Meanwhile, the Congress will focus on Chandni Chowk, North East, and North West constituencies.
Wasnik emphasized that after thorough deliberation, the decision was made for the Congress to contest the Chandigarh seat.
Goa's Political Landscape
In Goa, the Congress is slated to contest both Lok Sabha seats, as revealed in the alliance announcement.
The two political adversaries turned allies, AAP and Congress, refrained from commenting on Punjab, where AAP secured victory in 2022, displacing the Congress.
Earlier this month, AAP Chief Arvind Kejriwal declared that his party would contest all 13 Lok Sabha seats in Punjab.
Alliance Motivation and Vision
AAP MP Sandeep Pathak, addressing the media after the alliance declaration, spoke about the importance of the nation over individual political interests. He stated, "Given the current situation in the country, with concerns about institutions, 'stolen' elections, and the incarceration of opposition leaders, the country requires an honest and robust alternative." Pathak emphasized that this election transcends party boundaries, focusing on the betterment of India.
The two parties are currently in discussions regarding a potential arrangement in Assam.
BJP's Response
The Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) dismissed the alliance as political opportunism, citing a trust crisis between the Congress and AAP. Delhi BJP leader Ramvir Singh Bidhuri remarked, "Despite a serious trust crisis between the Congress and AAP, their decision to ally reflects nothing but politics of opportunism."
