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The Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) has issued a strong call for the expulsion of the Indian National Congress from the INDIA opposition alliance. This dramatic move follows the filing of a First Information Report (FIR) by the Congress against Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal, accusing him of fraud and forgery. The AAP's discontent is not merely a reaction to this legal action; it's the culmination of a series of escalating tensions and public criticisms between the two parties, highlighting the deep-seated fissures within the broader opposition front. The AAP's strategy involves not only a public declaration of its stance but also consultations with other INDIA bloc members to garner support for its proposal. This suggests that the AAP is actively seeking to build consensus and leverage the existing discontent within the alliance to achieve its objective.
A key catalyst for the AAP's action is the recent outspoken criticism from senior Congress leader Ajay Maken. Maken's remarks directly implicated the Congress's past support for the AAP in 2013 as a contributing factor to the Congress's decline in Delhi's political landscape. His statement, echoing the sentiments of many within the Congress, emphasizes the party's regret over its previous alliance with the AAP and advocates for a change in strategy for the upcoming 2024 Lok Sabha elections. Maken's pointed criticisms extended to Kejriwal personally, accusing him of failing to uphold his anti-corruption promises and employing tactics that have allegedly caused hardships for Delhi's residents. The use of the term 'Farziwal,' meaning 'fraudster,' reflects the severity of Maken's condemnation.
The conflict isn't limited to Maken's pronouncements. The Congress has also publicly questioned the AAP's policy initiatives, specifically targeting its free treatment scheme and the ₹2,100 monthly allowance promised to women. These schemes, announced ahead of the 2025 Delhi Assembly elections, have become points of contention, with the Congress implying that they are mere electioneering tactics rather than genuine welfare measures. This questioning further fuels the existing animosity and contributes to the overall perception of irreconcilable differences between the two parties. Adding to the escalating tension, Sandeep Dikshit, son of former Delhi Chief Minister Sheila Dikshit, has launched a personal attack on Kejriwal, highlighting the conditions of Kejriwal's release from prison in the excise policy case to declare him unfit to hold the Chief Minister's position. This attack, delivered in the context of Dikshit's own electoral contest against Kejriwal, adds a personal dimension to the political feud.
The timing of the AAP's move is significant, coinciding with the upcoming Delhi Assembly elections scheduled for February 2025. The escalating conflict not only reflects the existing political tensions between the two parties but also suggests a calculated move by the AAP to solidify its position ahead of the crucial elections. The potential consequences of removing Congress from the INDIA alliance are far-reaching, potentially altering the dynamics of the opposition front and impacting the overall strategy for the 2024 Lok Sabha elections. The decision will not only determine the future of the alliance but will also influence the political landscape of Delhi and the national stage. The coming weeks will be critical in observing how the other INDIA bloc members respond to the AAP's demand and how this conflict shapes the future political alliances in India.
The present situation showcases the inherent complexities of forming and maintaining broad-based political alliances, particularly when diverse ideologies and conflicting ambitions converge. The AAP's move underscores the precarious balance of power within the opposition and raises critical questions about the effectiveness and stability of the INDIA alliance in the face of internal disagreements. The future trajectory of this political drama remains uncertain, but its impact on the upcoming elections is undoubtedly significant. The actions and reactions of other parties will be closely watched, as the political landscape of India continues to shift and evolve in the lead-up to the crucial 2024 elections.
Source: AAP to urge INDIA parties to axe Congress from Opposition alliance. Here's why