Congress Leaders Not So Happy About Congress-AAP Alliance

The Haryana Story brings you the latest update on the ongoing alliance talks between the Congress party and the Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) in Haryana. As the state gears up for upcoming elections, tensions are rising within the Congress over the proposed seat-sharing arrangement. 

Hooda's Opposition and Congress Concerns

Former Chief Minister and Leader of Opposition Bhupinder Singh Hooda is not happy with the idea of an alliance with AAP. He has reportedly shared his concerns with senior party leaders. Hooda isn't alone in his opposition. Many Congress leaders in Haryana are questioning the benefits of this alliance for their party.

A senior Congress MLA, who wished to remain unnamed, said, "The AAP doesn't have any base in Haryana. It's only the AAP that will benefit from this alliance. We risk losing all the seats we give to them." 

These concerns stem from AAP's past performance in Haryana. In the 2019 Lok Sabha polls, AAP got only 0.36% of the votes. In the state assembly elections that same year, they lost their deposit in all 46 seats they contested, getting fewer votes than NOTA (None of the Above). 

AAP's Demands and Congress Dilemma

As part of the INDIA bloc (a group of opposition parties), AAP is asking for 10 seats in Haryana. However, the Congress is not ready to agree to this demand. The party is in a tough spot because it has received over 2,500 applications from people wanting to contest on Congress tickets for the 90 assembly seats. 

Captain Ajay Yadav, a Congress leader, expressed his doubts about the alliance. He said, "The AAP has no base in Haryana. Why should we give them a foothold? But if there's some urgency, it's up to the high command to decide." 

Time Pressure and BJP's Head Start 

The delay in announcing candidates due to these alliance talks is causing worry. The process of filing nomination papers has already started, with September 12 being the last date. Meanwhile, the BJP (Bharatiya Janata Party) has already announced 67 candidates, giving them a head start in the election campaign.

The Congress faces another challenge. If they give seats to AAP, some disappointed ticket-seekers might rebel and join other alliances like INLD-BSP or JJP-ASP.

As the clock ticks down to the nomination deadline, all eyes are on the Congress high command. Will they push through with the AAP alliance despite internal opposition, or will they go it alone in Haryana? The Haryana Story will keep you updated on this developing situation.