Not Congress, Akhilesh Yadav's SP Backs AAP In Delhi Assembly Polls

In a setback to the Congress, the Samajwadi Party has decided to support the AAP instead of the grand old party in the upcoming Delhi Assembly polls.

Both the AAP and Congress are part of the INDIA bloc opposition alliance but are contesting separately in this state election, unlike their Lok Sabha alliance.

What Akhilesh Yadav Said?

Samajwadi Party leader Akhilesh Yadav explained the decision, emphasizing the alliance's principle to back strong regional parties to defeat the BJP. He told the news agency, "The regional party fighting against the BJP should be supported by the leaders of the INDIA alliance. AAP and Congress are fighting against each other in Delhi. AAP is strong and we have decided to stand with them. The question is about Delhi and our goal is that the BJP gets defeated. Congress and AAP have the same goal too."

However, Yadav affirmed that the INDIA bloc alliance remains intact. "The INDIA alliance is intact. I remember when the INDIA alliance was formed, it was decided that wherever a regional party was strong, the alliance would extend support to them," he said.

Opposition Divided

However, Communist Party of India General Secretary D Raja acknowledged internal differences within the bloc. "It is a fact that the opposition is divided," he told ANI. "In Delhi, AAP, Congress, and other parties are contesting separately. Some parties, like SP, have declared support for AAP. The INDIA bloc stands divided in this instance."

The BJP has been quick to seize on the situation, with several leaders claiming the INDIA bloc lacks coherence and a clear mission.

The Delhi Assembly election is scheduled for a single phase on February 5, with results to be announced on February 8. In the 2020 polls, AAP achieved a landslide victory, winning 62 out of 70 seats, while the BJP secured only eight.