The Congress and AAP, two key members of the opposition INDIA bloc at the national level, have reportedly reached an "in-principle understanding" to form an alliance ahead of the upcoming Haryana Assembly elections. This development is particularly significant given the evolving political landscape in Haryana, a state where both parties are looking to consolidate their positions against the ruling Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP).
The alliance negotiations are expected to be led by prominent leaders from both parties, with AAP MP Raghav Chaddha and Congress MP KC Venugopal likely to spearhead the discussions. Sources have indicated that these crucial talks might take place as soon as tonight or tomorrow. The AAP is believed to be advocating for around 20 seats as part of the alliance arrangement, reflecting its ambition to have a substantial stake in the electoral contest.
In response, the Congress has formed a dedicated mini committee to handle the alliance discussions and ensure smooth coordination between the two parties. This committee includes senior Congress leaders Deepak Babaria, Deepender Singh Hooda, and Ajay Maken, who have been tasked with not only negotiating the terms of the alliance but also resolving internal conflicts over 12 contentious seats within the Congress where multiple candidates are vying for nominations. This internal jockeying highlights the high stakes and intense competition within the party as it prepares for the elections.
The Haryana Assembly elections are slated for October 5, with the results expected to be declared on October 8. This short timeline adds urgency to the alliance talks, as both parties need to finalize their strategies and candidate lists quickly. The potential alliance is a strategic move aimed at pooling resources and voter bases to present a united front against the BJP, which has been a dominant force in Haryana politics.
This alliance marks a notable shift in the political dynamics of the state, especially considering that just last month, senior Congress leader Kumari Selja publicly dismissed the idea of an alliance with AAP. She asserted that the Congress was a formidable player in Haryana and would contest the elections independently. This sentiment was echoed by Delhi Chief Minister and AAP national convenor Arvind Kejriwal, who earlier this year announced that his party would contest all 90 seats in Haryana on its own.
However, the re-evaluation of their strategies suggests that both parties recognize the benefits of collaboration in a highly competitive electoral environment. The decision to come together could be influenced by the success of their previous collaboration in the Lok Sabha elections, where they jointly contested seats in Haryana, Gujarat, Goa, Delhi, and Chandigarh. In Haryana, the Congress contested nine of the ten Lok Sabha seats, while AAP contested one.
As the alliance negotiations continue, the outcome will be closely watched by political analysts and voters alike. The alliance could potentially reshape the electoral map of Haryana, offering a formidable challenge to the BJP and altering the trajectory of the state's politics. The upcoming days will be critical as both parties finalize their strategies and gear up for what promises to be a fiercely contested election.
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