Samajwadi Party leader Akhilesh Yadav announced on Wednesday that his party is supporting AAP in Delhi, noting that AAP is stronger than Congress in the region. Speaking to ANI, he explained, “The regional party fighting against the BJP should be supported by the leaders of the INDIA alliance. AAP and Congress are fighting against each other in Delhi. AAP is strong, and we have decided to stand with them. The question is about Delhi, and our goal is to defeat the BJP. Congress and AAP share the same goal.”
INDIA Alliance Remains Solid, Says Yadav
Yadav further emphasized that the INDIA alliance is still intact. He added, “I remember when the INDIA alliance was formed, it was decided that wherever a regional party was strong, the alliance would extend support to them.”
CPI’s D Raja Acknowledges INDIA Bloc’s Division
However, CPI General Secretary D Raja acknowledged the fragmentation within the INDIA alliance. He admitted that the opposition is divided, particularly in Delhi, where AAP and Congress are contesting separately. Raja said, “It is a fact that the Opposition is divided. AAP is contesting on its own, Congress is contesting on its own, and Left parties are contesting wherever they are capable of putting up a fight.”
BJP Claims INDIA Alliance Is ‘Scattered’
BJP leaders have criticized the INDIA bloc, claiming it has no clear direction. Union Home Minister Amit Shah previously stated that the alliance is falling apart. He pointed out that in Mumbai, Shiv Sena (UBT) and Congress are preparing to contest the elections separately. “The INDIA alliance has completely disintegrated,” Shah said.
Delhi Assembly Elections Approach
The Delhi assembly elections are scheduled for February 5, with results to be counted on February 8. AAP has already announced its candidates for all 70 seats, while BJP has named candidates for 59 seats. The last date to file nominations is January 17, with scrutiny on January 18 and withdrawal deadlines by January 20.
Congress Struggles, AAP Dominates
While Congress once held power in Delhi for 15 consecutive years, it has faced major setbacks in recent elections. In contrast, AAP dominated the 2020 Delhi assembly elections, winning 62 out of 70 seats, leaving the BJP with only 8.