Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) national convenor and former Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal has firmly dismissed speculation about an alliance with the Congress Party for the upcoming 2025 Delhi Assembly elections. Kejriwal reiterated AAP’s stance of contesting the elections independently, putting an end to rumors of a possible tie-up.
“There is no possibility of any alliance with Congress,” Kejriwal declared, addressing media queries following reports that suggested an alliance between the two parties was in the final stages of negotiation.
The speculations were fueled by a report from news agency ANI, which, citing sources, claimed that Congress could contest 15 of Delhi’s 70 Assembly seats under a seat-sharing agreement, with AAP taking the majority. The report further hinted at 1-2 seats being allocated to other INDIA bloc allies.
Kejriwal’s Clear Stand
Responding swiftly to these claims, Kejriwal categorically rejected the idea, stating that AAP would rely solely on its own strength in the upcoming elections. His remarks echoed a statement made earlier on December 1, where he had similarly ruled out any alliance in Delhi, emphasizing, “There will be no alliance in Delhi.”
AAP’s Strong Position in Delhi
AAP’s firm stance on contesting independently comes against the backdrop of its dominant performance in the 2020 Delhi Assembly elections, where it secured a resounding victory with 62 seats. The BJP managed to win 8 seats, while Congress failed to make any mark, securing zero seats.
Building on its past success, AAP has already announced 31 candidates for the upcoming elections, leaving little room for potential seat-sharing arrangements.
The Bigger Picture
While AAP remains confident in its ability to retain its stronghold in Delhi, the dismissal of an alliance with Congress raises questions about the unity of the INDIA bloc. The bloc, formed to challenge the BJP-led NDA government nationally, faces challenges in maintaining cohesion at the state level, where local dynamics often differ from national narratives.
With Kejriwal’s latest clarification, AAP’s focus now shifts entirely to mobilizing its grassroots support as it prepares to face the BJP and other contenders in the 2025 Delhi Assembly elections.