AAP Urges INDIA Bloc To Expel Congress Over Allegations Against Kejriwal: Sources

The Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) on Thursday called on the INDIA bloc to expel the Congress from the Opposition alliance, citing its dissatisfaction with the grand old party following an FIR lodged against Arvind Kejriwal on charges of fraud and forgery.

The AAP is reportedly planning to consult other member parties of the INDIA bloc regarding this issue, India Today reported, citing sources.

The move comes in the wake of remarks made by senior Congress leader Ajay Maken against the AAP and its leader Kejriwal. On Wednesday, Maken criticised the Congress' decision to support the AAP in 2013, attributing it to the party's subsequent decline in Delhi. He added that the mistake of aligning with the AAP in the 2024 Lok Sabha elections must be rectified.

Maken, who serves as Delhi Congress president, further stated that had the Congress not supported Kejriwal in forming the government in 2013, Delhiites would have been spared the hardships they endured. He went on to criticise Kejriwal, saying, "If there is one word to describe former Delhi chief minister Arvind Kejriwal here, then it would be 'Farziwal.'"

Additionally, the Congress has raised concerns about two AAP schemes - free medical treatment and a ₹2,100 monthly allowance for women - announced ahead of the 2025 Delhi assembly elections.

Former Delhi Chief Minister Sheila Dikshit's son, Sandeep Dikshit, also criticised Kejriwal, questioning his suitability for the CM post. Referring to conditions set by the Supreme Court for Kejriwal's release in the excise policy case, Dikshit claimed that Kejriwal's inability to sign files or attend office necessitated the appointment of Atishi as CM.

Dikshit, who is contesting against Kejriwal in the New Delhi assembly constituency in the upcoming state elections, views the contest as both political and personal, aiming to settle scores with Kejriwal.

Delhi is expected to hold assembly elections in February 2025.