Congress-AAP alliance is unlikely to be a reality.
The newly-formed alliance of 26 Opposition parties—INDIA—will face its first test in the four states including Rajasthan which will go to polls in November this year. The AAP is the only constituent of this alliance which has thrown its hat in the electoral ring in Rajasthan, Madhya Pradesh and Chhattisgarh.
So far, the AAP has some electoral understanding with K.
Chandrashekar Rao’s party BRS in Telangana. But after the launch of INDIA, all eyes will be on AAP’s next step in the southern state. Congress is in direct contest with BJP in Rajasthan, Chhattisgarh and MP. These states have seen the two parties coming to power alternatively. But this time round, Congress seems to be set to repeat its governments in Rajasthan and Chhattisgarh. At the same time, the BJP seems to be in trouble in MP where Congress is likely to win if some reports are to be believed. Congress senior leader Priyanka Gandhi Vadra addressed her second rally in Madhya Pradesh after Jabalpur. She addressed a huge rally in Gwalior.
Now, the question is what stand AAP takes in these three states. The AAP may not have a substantial support base in these states, but it is in a position to dent the vote bank of Congress.
Delhi Chief Minister and AAP national convener Arvind Kejriwal has been attacking Congress during public rallies in Madhya Pradesh. Now, Congress hopes that AAP will follow “coalition dharma”.
According to sources, AAP will help Congress only on certain conditions. The ruling party of Delhi might bargain for seats. The Congress will not be able to fulfil AAP’s demand for seats.
Congress does not want to give seats to any party as these states are quite crucial for it. BSP and Owaisi’s party AIMIM pose a tougher challenge to Congress than AAP. BSP has been bagging some seats in these states. Mayawati’s outfit was keen to strike an alliance with Congress before the launch of INDIA. But Mayawati has announced to go it alone in elections.
Congress is hopeful of victory in Rajasthan due to Chief Minister Ashok Gehlot’s welfare schemes. BJP is understood to be on the backfoot in Rajasthan. Gehlot is getting tough with the ministers and MLAs in order to ensure discipline in the party. Gehlot has started taking action now. He sacked a minister Rajendra Singh Gudha for making statements against the government.
Meanwhile, Chhattisgarh CM Bhupesh Baghel has also given Congress a hope of staging a comeback on the basis of his welfare schemes. BJP is uncomfortable in MP due to anti-incumbency sentiments against it. There is a sympathy wave in favour of Kamal Nath. Congress will get a shot in its arm before Lok Sabha elections if it wins all these three states.