The relationship between the Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) and Congress, which was previously characterized as challenging, seems to be exhibiting indications of agreement, particularly as the 2024 Lok Sabha elections loom on the horizon, ushering in a heightened phase of political activity in Delhi. Notably, within the INDIA bloc, a coalition of opposition parties, the dynamic between AAP and Congress, once considered the most arduous, is now showcasing early signs of concord.
Following two rounds of discussions between the two political entities, the unexpected meeting involving key figures such as Arvind Kejriwal, Mallikarjun Kharge, and Rahul Gandhi has become a surprising development. Against the backdrop of the cold and foggy weather in Delhi, there is a perceptible thaw in the political atmosphere, with deliberations extending beyond the confines of Delhi to influence political landscapes in various states.
Simultaneously, Arvind Kejriwal found himself served with a fourth summons from the Enforcement Directorate, and intriguingly, on the very day, January 18, when his appearance was mandated, he strategically scheduled his election campaign in Goa.
While ongoing discourse revolves around the intricacies of seat-sharing among coalition partners, the impromptu visit of Arvind Kejriwal to the residence of Congress President Mallikarjun Kharge, coupled with Rahul Gandhi's active involvement in the meeting, assumes greater significance. The encounter between Rahul Gandhi and Arvind Kejriwal is being perceived as a game-changer, particularly given the historical context when, despite multiple appeals, Rahul Gandhi had not granted an audience when the central government curtailed the powers of the Delhi government in May through an ordinance. Despite Congress's opposition in Parliament, speculations regarding strained relations between Kejriwal and Rahul persisted.
Notably, during the 2019 Lok Sabha elections, Rahul Gandhi had vehemently opposed a coalition with AAP, preventing any alliance at that time. However, this time around, there is a perceptible softening of Congress's stance towards Kejriwal, who played a pivotal role in endorsing Kharge as the chairman of the INDIA coalition parties.
The significance of this meeting became immediately evident when both parties decided to jointly contest the mayoral election in Chandigarh. AAP, having performed well in the Chandigarh municipal elections two years ago, failed to secure the mayor's position due to a lack of support from Congress.
Despite the uncertainties surrounding coalitions in various states such as Uttar Pradesh, West Bengal, and Bihar, where discussions on seat-sharing are either stalled or delayed, Congress and AAP have made substantial progress in Delhi. While a seat distribution formula is in place in Delhi, AAP is advocating for some seats from Congress in other states, excluding Punjab, where both parties are leaning towards separate contests, given the limited presence of BJP in the region.
Discussions are actively underway for states like Gujarat, Haryana, and Goa. AAP, with elected MLAs in Gujarat and Goa, and aspirations for elections in Haryana, is demonstrating a spirit of cooperation in Delhi, with expectations of reciprocal gestures in Gujarat and even Haryana. However, Congress has yet to provide its assent to this proposal, deliberating after consulting its state units.
Arvind Kejriwal's strategic magnanimity in Delhi seems to align with his broader strategy, aiming to secure seats from Congress in other states, as evidenced by his recent announcement of a candidate for Bharuch, Gujarat.
Amid these developments, the question arises of how Congress will respond to AAP's soft Hindutva approach. While Congress has declared its decision to abstain from the Pran Pratishtha of the Ram Temple, AAP has taken a bold stance by challenging the BJP on its own turf, opting to conduct the Sunderkand Path across Delhi every Tuesday. Kejriwal's tactical move may pose challenges for Congress leaders, and in the forthcoming days, Congress will undoubtedly scrutinize AAP's position to gauge the strength of the coalition.
