The dates for the Delhi polls have been announced, despite less than a month left for voting, Congress is yet to announce candidates for 49 seats. Its top leadership is out of action, and the INDIA alliance partners have extended their support to the AAP.
But is it what it looks like, and has the INDIA alliance isolated the Congress, or is there more to what meets the eye? On one hand, where the BJP and the AAP are election-ready and are ensuring that no stones are unturned, the Congress seems to have lost track.
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The Congress has announced Rs 2,500 financial assistance to eligible women and 25 Lakh health insurance coverage in the form of poll guarantees.
However, the approach of the top brass has been similar to what it was during the Lok Sabha Polls for the national capital. PM Modi has been taking rallies and launching developmental projects,
AAP chief Arvind Kejriwal has also already started his poll campaign and is focusing on public rallies, public outreach, interviews, and press conferences. However, Congress’s top leadership is expected to kickstart its poll campaign on January 13.
Meanwhile, TMC, Samajwadi Party and Shiv Sena UBT have extended support for AAP in the Delhi polls.
Responding to TMC’s support, Kejriwal said: “TMC has announced support to AAP in Delhi elections. I am personally grateful to Mamta Didi. Thank you, Didi. You have always supported and blessed us in our good and bad times,” Kejriwal tweeted.
TMC has announced support to AAP in Delhi elections. I am personally grateful to Mamta Didi. Thank you Didi. U have always supported and blessed us in our good and bad times.
— Arvind Kejriwal (@ArvindKejriwal) January 8, 2025
Now, why is Congress not fighting polls with the intent to win?
The sources in the Congress have told HW News English that the AAP and the Congress’ top leadership have reached a tacit understanding.
Congress will downplay and pave the way for the AAP. And if they lack numbers Congress would support the AAP.
Now the question arises: why not fight in alliance?
The reason behind no alliance between the two parties is said to be because of the massive opposition against the AAP from the state leadership and the cadre on the ground. After all, the Congress had its own CM until 2013 in Delhi.
Another reason for not fighting in the alliance is that the AAP, seeking a third term, could transfer its anti-incumbency factor to Congress. Another factor is ideological differences.
The AAP’s core ideology is freebiism, probably one of the reasons that the BJP could not create an anti-Hindu narrative against Arvind Kejriwal. In simple words, he can pull out the Hindu card according to his convenience.
Whereas the Congress is not very comfortable seeking votes in the name of religion. Meanwhile, To counter the AAP’s existing electricity scheme, the BJP is likely to announce free electricity of up to 300 units, In response to Kejriwal’s announcement of Rs 18,000 monthly honorarium for temple priests and Granthis.
The BJP has announced free electricity for up to 500 units to religious places like temples and gurudwaras. The BJP is likely to promise free piped water And a scheme that provides financial assistance to women, something the AAP and Congress have also promised.So, it seems like the AAP is setting the agenda, and the BJP is trying to match it rather than counter it.
The voting for Delhi’s 70-seat assembly will take place in a single phase on February 5, and the counting of votes will take place on the 8th.
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