Delhi: Congress, AAP Leaders Spar Over Contesting All 7 LS Seats

A heated exchange of words erupted on Wednesday between members of the Delhi Congress unit and the Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) concerning the possibility of the former independently contesting all seven Lok Sabha seats in the Capital.

The controversy unfolded following a meeting of the Delhi Congress unit to discuss preparations for the Lok Sabha polls, attended by senior leader Rahul Gandhi and party chief Mallikarjun Kharge.

During the meeting, Congress leader Alka Lamba revealed that the leaders were instructed to ready themselves for contests across all seven Lok Sabha seats in Delhi. "With seven months left and seven seats in Delhi, history suggests that whoever triumphs in Delhi triumphs in the country. We have been directed to prepare for all seven seats," Lamba stated.

Currently, all seven Lok Sabha seats in Delhi are held by the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP). While both the Congress and AAP are part of the Opposition's INDIA alliance, no agreements on seat-sharing have been reached thus far.

Lamba clarified that no final decision had been made regarding whether the Congress would contest all seven seats alone or form an alliance. "In the last LS election, Congress secured the second position in all seven seats. No discussions regarding seat sharing took place. We will be fully prepared for all seven seats irrespective of future decisions," Lamba added.

In response to Lamba's comments, AAP chief spokesperson Priyanka Kakkar retorted, "If the Congress is not interested in an alliance in Delhi, then their participation in the INDIA meeting is futile and a waste of time. Our top leadership will decide whether we should attend the next INDIA meeting."

Kakkar went on to say, "Congress approached us for an alliance because they lack significance in Delhi. If we believe Alka Lamba's statements, and they decide against forming an alliance in Delhi, then the INDIA alliance loses its meaning."

Senior AAP leader Saurabh Bhardwaj struck a more conciliatory tone, indicating, "Our central leadership will make this decision. Our political affairs committee and INDIA parties will convene to discuss this matter."

Following the meeting, Delhi Congress in-charge Deepak Babaria criticized the AAP. "Delhi has lost direction, and no progress has been achieved since Sheila Dikshit's tenure. Delhi Congress will stand against the anti-people policies of the AAP government. It was also agreed that the party will highlight the AAP government's anti-people policies and move forward," Babaria asserted.

However, he clarified that no discussions on an alliance had taken place during the Wednesday meeting. "The shape of the alliance in Delhi will be determined by the party high command. We will follow whatever decision the high command makes," Babaria added.

Earlier in the day, Kharge announced the meeting on Twitter, stating, "In light of the upcoming Lok Sabha elections, a consultation was held today with Delhi Congress leaders. Transforming Delhi Congress (Navsanchar) is our priority, requiring the participation of all leaders and workers. We have previously made Delhi prosperous and content, and our commitment to Delhi's people continues."

In a media statement, Gandhi said that the Congress is committed to amplifying the voices of Delhi's residents and taking every step toward the state's progress.