Amid speculation about a potential AAP-Congress alliance in Haryana for the upcoming elections, BJP leader Shazia Ilmi commented on Monday that the discussion of such a partnership indicates Congress’s insecurity and lack of confidence. She suggested that Congress’s need to align with AAP, a competitor in Punjab, reflects their doubts about their own candidates and their campaign.
Ilmi stated, “The fact that Congress is considering an alliance shows their arrogance has faded. It’s clear now that the Congress party, which previously insisted they would form the government, is now nervous and relying on the Aam Aadmi Party. This is a clear sign of their weakness and lack of self-confidence. They’re compelled to partner with a party that’s their competitor in Punjab.”
Regarding former Indian wrestler Vinesh Phogat’s recent joining of Congress, Ilmi remarked that while Phogat is a prominent figure, her political statements appear one-sided. She criticized Phogat for praising Priyanka Gandhi without addressing issues like the RG Kar Medical College and Hospital rape and murder case in Kolkata, despite the state government being allied with Congress.
Ilmi said, “Vinesh Phogat is a national hero, but her political remarks seem biased. If she had asked Priyanka Gandhi to support the victims of the Abhaya case, it would have shown more credibility. Instead, her focus on selective issues undermines her stance.”
Reacting to Bajrang Punia’s remarks about Haryana Chief Minister Nayab Singh Saini, Ilmi stated that Saini would decide his own seat. She expressed disapproval of Punia’s statements, noting that they were inappropriate coming from a prominent athlete new to politics.
On September 6, Vinesh Phogat and Bajrang Punia joined Congress ahead of the Haryana Assembly Elections. Phogat was quickly fielded as a candidate from the Julana Assembly Constituency, while Punia was appointed as the working president of the All India Kisan Congress. The Haryana Assembly elections are scheduled for October 5, with nominations closing on September 12 and vote counting set for October 8.
