New Delhi: Delhi witnessed significant political developments as the deadlock over seat-sharing between the Congress and AAP in Delhi seemed to be easing. The Arvind Kejriwal-led AAP had earlier taken a firm stance, indicating that it would only allocate one seat to its ally.
Positive signals emerged as Congress President Mallikarjun Kharge and AAP Chief Arvind Kejriwal convened for a crucial meeting in the capital, suggesting a potential breakthrough in the seat-sharing negotiations. Subsequently, both leaders were spotted attending a luncheon hosted by senior lawyer and Rajya Sabha MP Abhishek Manu Singhvi.
In a reassuring turn of events, former Madhya Pradesh Chief Minister Kamal Nath dispelled speculations about his departure from the Congress. Sources revealed that he assured party leadership of his commitment to remain within the party fold, diverting attention from rumors suggesting a potential switch to the BJP. Clarifying his stance, Kamal Nath emphasized his focus on the upcoming Lok Sabha elections and dismissed exit rumors as baseless speculations.
Meanwhile, reports circulating regarding Congress MPs Manish Tewari and Navjyot Singh Sidhu contemplating defection to the BJP added further intrigue to the unfolding political drama. Despite denials from their close circles, Tewari's recent parliamentary speech criticizing the Modi government hinted at underlying tensions within the Congress ranks.
The recent flurry of activities surrounding seat-sharing negotiations coincided with AAP's assertive stance, advocating for a significant share of seats in Delhi. While both parties acknowledged the importance of an alliance, disagreements over seat allocation persisted, particularly with AAP suggesting a dominant role in the capital's electoral battleground.
In response, Kejriwal reaffirmed mutual respect between AAP and Congress, highlighting their united front in Punjab while expressing openness to continued dialogue. However, tensions surfaced regarding seat distribution in Haryana, with former Chief Minister Bhupinder Hooda criticizing AAP's unilateral approach.
As negotiations intensified, Congress leadership remained optimistic about the prospects of forming an alliance, emphasizing the need for collaborative efforts to counter prevailing political challenges.
Meanwhile, Kharge's engagement extended beyond the AAP-Congress dialogue, as he met with JMM leader and Jharkhand Chief Minister Champai Soren, advocating for united opposition against what he described as the anti-democratic policies of the Modi government.
Commenting on defections, Kejriwal took a dig at the BJP, suggesting that a significant portion of its members would switch allegiance if amendments introduced by the Modi government were reversed, hinting at potential instability within the ruling party's ranks.