NEW DELHI: Tensions within the opposition INDIA bloc have flared up as the Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) and Congress, once allies, engage in public accusations and threats of exclusion. With the upcoming Delhi Assembly elections, these longstanding but strained relationships could have significant repercussions for the opposition coalition.
The rift gained momentum following Congress’ release of a 12-point “White Paper,” which targeted AAP’s governance of the National Capital Territory (NCT), citing issues like pollution control, civic management, and the overall law and order situation. AAP retaliated fiercely. Sanjay Singh, Rajya Sabha MP for AAP, condemned Congress leader Ajay Maken for his comments labeling Arvind Kejriwal as “anti-national.” He accused Maken of acting on the directives of the BJP, calling for action against him within 24 hours. "The Congress’ actions have made it evident... We demand answers, otherwise, we will hold talks with INDIA alliance partners,” said Chief Minister Atishi, adding salvos of accusations against the Congress party's integrity.
Critics suggest these conflicts reflect deep-seated fractures within the opposition coalition. Some AAP leaders imply they may consult with other members of the INDIA bloc to remove Congress, jeopardizing the coalition's future unity. This brewing unease follows major electoral disappointments, including Congress’s failure to capture any Lok Sabha seat from Delhi, which many attribute to the decline exacerbated by their partnership with AAP.
Atishi’s forceful statement also pointed fingers at Congress for allegedly receiving BJP support during the elections. She expressed disbelief at their lack of action against Maken, indicating if the national Congress is not involved, they must act against their Delhi leaders. “If National Congress is not involved, they must act against their Delhi leaders,” she insisted.
Singh encapsulated the severity of the situation, stating, “If Congress does not act against Ajay Maken for his remarks, we will be forced to talk to other allies... to remove Congress from the alliance.” Such words resonate with the backdrop of AAP’s sense of betrayal as they face derision from their former companions.
Ajay Maken has remained firm amid the fallout, reiteratively criticizing AAP’s governance throughout the years, claiming the past alliance has weakened Congress’s standing. He stated, “I feel the Congress got weakened here only because of... supporting AAP for 40 days in 2013.” Maken's remarks resonate with parts of Congress seeking to reassess the coalition strategy, especially as Assembly election tactics are becoming pronounced.
The political drama escalates alongside Congress's audacious proclamations. Following Maken’s comments, some Congress leaders, including Abhishek Dutt, struck back vehemently, accusing Kejriwal of “looting Delhi” and of “targeting Congress leaders for no valid reason.” Dutt’s assertion underlines the increasingly fierce dialogue between the two parties, with the stakes increasingly high as elections near.
Outside of the immediate quarrels, other opposition factions are cautiously observing the tensions. The Samajwadi Party hastened to support AAP, with leader Fakhrul Hasan Chaand emphasizing the need for opposition unity. His readiness to mediate indicates some parties desire to contain damages for collective alienation from broader electoral challenges. Chaand said, “We remain committed to opposition unity and to defeating BJP,” pointing out the stakes involved as unity becomes more imperative.
Looking back, AAP's historical conflicts with Congress reveal patterns of survival politics often overshadowed by bitter rivalries. AAP first rose to power by ending the Congress's 15-year rule in Delhi back in 2013, but tensions have mounted ever since. The alliance formed afterward, albeit temporarily, indicated personalized politics often prevails over long-term cooperative strategies. Observers speculate whether AAP and Congress will reconcile once again for electoral necessities, reflecting the historical tension and cyclical loyalties marking Indian politics.
With each public back-and-forth, the idea of unity within the INDIA bloc remains tenuous. AAP leader Kejriwal has already declared he will not ally with Congress for the upcoming polls, indicating this rift may only widen. Meanwhile, Congress appears set on capitalizing on its independence, pledging to roll out its candidate lists and strategies unapologetically.
Looking forward, how Congress navigates this fractured relationship with AAP will be pivotal not just for their mutual interests but for the broader electoral tactics against the BJP as competitive successors. For now, many observers believe these confrontations will not only shape individual party fates but may also symbolize the dissolving fabric of opposition unity as electoral cycles approach.
