Arvind Kejriwal Confirms AAP Will Contest Delhi Assembly Election Alone, Rejects Congress Alliance

Delhi, India:  Arvind Kejriwal, the national convener of the Aam Aadmi Party (AAP), reaffirmed on Thursday that the party will contest the upcoming Delhi assembly elections independently and has no plans to form an alliance with the Congress. Kejriwal’s statement, posted on X, comes amidst reports suggesting the possibility of a seat-sharing agreement between the two parties ahead of the elections.

“There is no possibility of any alliance with Congress. AAP will fight the election on its own strength,” Kejriwal declared.

This is not the first time Kejriwal has dismissed the notion of a coalition with Congress, following reports earlier this month that AAP was in talks with members of the Opposition’s INDIA bloc. Kejriwal’s firm stance reflects the party’s strategy to secure a third consecutive term in the Delhi assembly.

In its second list of candidates released on Monday, AAP fielded Manish Sisodia from Jangpura and nominated new faces in several constituencies, dropping 17 sitting MLAs. Among the re-nominated candidates are Manish Sisodia and Rakhi Birla.

The Congress, which governed Delhi for 15 years, has faced setbacks in recent elections, failing to secure any seats in the last two assemblies. Delhi is expected to hold its assembly elections in early 2025.

In related news, Devendra Yadav, president of the Delhi Pradesh Congress Committee, criticized AAP's governance, accusing the party of worsening the law and order situation in the city. Yadav also demanded the resignation of Delhi Chief Minister Atishi, citing rising crimes against women in the national capital.