In a move that could reshape the dynamics within the INDIA bloc, the Samajwadi Party (SP) has extended support to the Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) over the Congress for the upcoming Delhi Assembly elections in early 2025.
SP president Akhilesh Yadav made the announcement while attending AAP’s ‘Mahila Adalat’ event in Delhi, aimed at addressing crimes against women. Speaking at the function, Akhilesh praised AAP’s governance and remarked that the party deserved another opportunity to serve Delhi.
The event, held at Thyagraj Stadium, paid tribute to Nirbhaya on the 12th anniversary of the tragic case. It was attended by key AAP leaders, including Delhi Chief Minister Atishi and MP Sanjay Singh.
Akhilesh’s endorsement of AAP is being viewed as a significant political message, suggesting that SP has distanced itself from Congress in Delhi while aligning with AAP.
Tensions within the INDIA bloc have been brewing, particularly following Congress’s decision to field Sandeep Dikshit against Arvind Kejriwal in the New Delhi constituency.
AAP leaders criticized the move, calling it disrespectful to a two-time chief minister who had stepped down to ensure smooth governance. A senior AAP leader questioned Congress’s commitment to the alliance, suggesting that the decision undermined unity among opposition partners.
Within SP circles, there is growing resentment over what they perceive as Congress’s unilateral decisions and disregard for regional allies.
A senior SP leader accused Congress of failing to appreciate the collective effort of the alliance against the BJP and added that regional parties were sharing the backlash without enjoying the privileges Congress held as a former ruling party.
SP leaders pointed to their restraint in the Madhya Pradesh Assembly elections, where they contested limited seats to avoid confusing voters regarding the INDIA bloc’s unity. However, they now believe Congress is acting unilaterally, perhaps due to the time gap before the 2024 Lok Sabha elections.
Another point of discontent among regional parties is Congress’s push to establish Rahul Gandhi as the face of the INDIA bloc, despite Mallikarjun Kharge being officially elected as its chairman.
Comments from UPCC chief Ajay Rai projecting Rahul as the leader have raised concerns, particularly among Dalit leaders, as Kharge himself belongs to the community. Regional parties feel these developments send confusing signals to key voter bases, yet Congress has not officially clarified its stance.
The growing proximity between SP and AAP highlights a potential realignment of regional parties within the INDIA bloc, raising questions about Congress’s ability to maintain unity in the opposition alliance.
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