Congress-AAP To Join Hands For Haryana Assembly Elections? Rahul Gandhi Seeks Opinions Of State Leadership

Leader of Opposition Rahul Gandhi is reportedly interested in forming an alliance between Congress and the Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) for the upcoming Haryana Assembly elections. Sources indicate that during the party's Central Election Committee (CEC) meeting on Monday, he sought opinions from Haryana Congress leaders about this potential alliance.

The Election Commission has rescheduled the Haryana assembly poll date to October 5 from October 1. This decision was made considering a centuries-old festival celebrated by the Bishnoi community. The Congress aims to reclaim power from the BJP in these elections.

Congress Finalises Candidates

On Monday, the Congress' Central Election Committee finalised the names of 34 candidates for the Haryana assembly polls. Depak Babaria, AICC's Haryana in-charge, mentioned that some names were sent to a review committee. This panel includes the Congress' Haryana unit chief and the legislature party leader, who will make final decisions on those names.

Babaria stated that candidate selection was based on winnability, focusing on leaders identified through surveys who had not lost more than two elections. Sources revealed that former Chief Minister Bhupinder Singh Hooda's name was among those approved on Monday.

AAP's Stand on Haryana Elections

Earlier this year, Delhi Chief Minister and AAP national convenor Arvind Kejriwal announced that his party would contest all 90 seats in the Haryana Assembly polls independently. This declaration underscores AAP's intent to establish a strong presence in Haryana without alliances.

The Congress is strategising to strengthen its position in Haryana by considering potential alliances and carefully selecting candidates with high chances of winning. The upcoming elections are crucial as they seek to challenge BJP's dominance in the state.

With polling day approaching on October 5, both parties are gearing up for a competitive election season. The outcome will significantly impact Haryana's political landscape and could influence future alliances and strategies at both state and national levels.