Even as the Congress Central Election Committee is claimed to have cleared candidates for 66 assembly seats in Haryana, the top leadership of the party was exploring the possibilities of alliance with the Aam Aadmi Party (AAP. This sudden move of the Congress underscores a broader strategy aimed at consolidating opposition forces under the I.N.D.I.A bloc to challenge the ruling BJP in the assembly elections.
About discussions on a possible alliance with AAP, AICC Haryana in-charge Deepak Babaria remarked, “The talks with the AAP regarding an alliance are still in a very preliminary stage. We are exploring the possibilities. If there is any further development in the next 2-3 days, we will inform you.” Babaria further emphasised the unity within the Congress ranks, noting, “Nobody is opposing the alliance; all decisions are taken unanimously.”
The proposed alliance is seen as a strategic manoeuvre to avoid a split in anti-BJP votes and strengthen the Opposition’s stance. While the details are yet to be finalised, internal sources have hinted at an “in-principle understanding” between the two parties.
A crucial meeting between AAP MP Raghav Chaddha and Congress MP KC Venugopal is expected soon to iron out the final details. It is also learnt that AAP was demanding 10 seats and Congress was reportedly agreed to give AAP seven seats in the 90 seats state assembly election.
“We will not allow the division of votes. Our target is to oust the BJP from power,” asserted Babaria, reflecting the Congress’s resolve to unseat the ruling party. On the other hand Babria said that the screening committee on the second day cleared 32 candidates taking the total number to 66 and the the party list may come out in the next day or two. He said that no specific discussions on specific seats were held but suggestions were given about the candidates on the seats of senior party leaders and sitting MPs Kumari Selja and Randeep Surjewala.
One of the names being speculated is that of star wrestler Vinesh Phogat, who is rumored to have been offered a choice between two constituencies: Charkhi Dadri and Julana, Babria said, ““Vinesh Phogat’s or Bajrang Punia’s names are not among the finalized candidates. I think, there will be clarity over this by the day after tomorrow,” Sources suggest that she may be hesitant to contest from Dadri against her cousin Babita Phogat, who ran unsuccessfully on a BJP ticket in the last election.
On the other hand senior AAP leader and Rajya Sabha MP Sanjay Singh has welcomed the potential alliance, emphasizing the shared goal of defeating the BJP. Singh stated that any final decision would be made after consulting with AAP’s national convener, Arvind Kejriwal.
This isn’t the first time Congress and AAP have considered joining forces in Haryana. In the last Lok Sabha elections, the two parties formed an alliance for Haryana’s 10 seats and the Chandigarh parliamentary seat. While Congress secured five seats, AAP did not fare well, with internal criticisms aimed at Congress for the defeat of AAP candidate Sushil Gupta in Kurukshetra.
AAP has already launched an intensive campaign in Haryana, with top leaders including Sanjay Singh, Punjab CM Bhagwant Mann, and Arvind Kejriwal’s wife Sunita Kejriwal, addressing numerous rallies, especially in constituencies near the Punjab and Delhi borders.
Despite earlier resistance from senior Congress leaders like Bhupinder Hooda and Kumari Selja against an alliance with AAP for the Assembly elections, Rahul Gandhi’s recent directive to explore the possibilities and positive and negative impacts of the alliance, give a clear message that the Congress was exploring all possibilities to win Haryana assembly election.