AAP, Congress reach mutual agreement to contest Punjab LS seats independently: Kejriwal

In a recent development, Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal clarified that there is no discord between the Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) and Congress over their decision to contest Lok Sabha seats in Punjab separately. Kejriwal, who visited Congress leader Abhishek Singhvi’s home for lunch, emphasized that the two parties had “mutually agreed” on the solo campaigns in Punjab.
Addressing reporters, Kejriwal stated, “In Punjab, Congress and AAP have mutually agreed to contest the polls separately. There is no hostility over this.” The ongoing tussle between Congress and AAP, allies in the INDIA Opposition bloc but rivals in Punjab, has been a prominent topic in the news in recent weeks.
Kejriwal revealed that AAP is currently in discussions with Congress to finalize seat-sharing arrangements in Delhi. He underscored the importance of an alliance, stating, “We are in talks with the Congress over an alliance in Delhi. We are discussing seat-sharing arrangements. The BJP will have it easy if there is no alliance (between Congress and AAP).”
The BJP had secured all seven parliamentary seats in Delhi during the 2019 Lok Sabha polls, replicating their success from the 2014 elections. Kejriwal’s remarks imply that INDIA allies are strategically balancing their national objective of challenging the BJP with their regional goal of retaining their respective strongholds.
Earlier, Punjab Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann had announced that AAP would independently contest all 13 seats in Punjab. Congress leader Partap Singh Bajwa, acknowledging this decision, expressed gratitude, stating, “There is a difference between Punjab and other states. Here, they (AAP) are in the government, and we are the principal opposition. How can both of us get together?”
Bajwa elaborated on the unique dynamics in Punjab, emphasizing the need to preserve the party’s position as the principal opposition. He cautioned against the potential shift of the anti-incumbency vote to either the BJP or the Akali Dal if Congress and AAP joined forces. Bajwa asserted, “Congress is on the comeback train. This way, we will finish our existence. We have to preserve our vote bank and build on it. This is much better for both (Congress and AAP).”