Congress strategizes alliance possibilities with AAP in Punjab for Lok Sabha elections

The newly appointed Punjab Congress Political in-charge, Devendra Yadav, declared plans to consult leaders and supporters regarding alliance formations in the state with the Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) for the upcoming Lok Sabha elections. He emphasized the importance of soliciting extensive feedback and considering public sentiments before making decisions on alliances, which will be ultimately decided by the party high command.

Meanwhile, the Political Affairs Committee (PAC) of the Punjab Congress has summoned the party leaders in Delhi for a meeting on Tuesday evening. The meeting is scheduled to discuss election strategies, including seat-sharing for the Lok Sabha polls, among other issues. Additionally, deliberation on Navjot Singh Sidhu’s matter might also take place during this meeting. Furthermore, senior Congress leader Jairam Ramesh’s statement surfaced, indicating that seat-sharing decisions would align with the state’s circumstances, stressing that it would be a transparent process.

Devendra Yadav asserted that the Congress will seek opinions from all leaders regarding an alliance with AAP. This process might take some time as the party aims to strengthen its organization in Punjab. Former leaders who had distanced themselves from the party will also be invited back to reinforce the party’s strength.
As per sources, some leaders within the Congress, including Partap Singh Bajwa, opposed the I.N.D.I.A alliance, with Aam Aadmi Party (AAP), for electoral battles. Congress state chief Raja Warring and other leaders do not agree with the seat-sharing with AAP on the state’s Lok Sabha seats. The resentment on this matter has been conveyed even to the party president, Mallikarjun Kharge.

Congress MP Ravneet Singh Bittu from Ludhiana and former Punjab Congress chief Navjot Singh Sidhu are in favour of an alliance with AAP. Internally, dissent against Sidhu has also surfaced within the party, reaching the party high command, as leaders argue that an alliance might disadvantage the party if formed.