Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) MP Raghav Chadha declared on Wednesday that the party would contest the 2025 Delhi Assembly elections independently, marking a definitive end to any speculation of an INDIA bloc alliance in the capital. Chadha emphasized that AAP, which secured victory in the last three Delhi elections on its own, will rely on its track record and the leadership of Arvind Kejriwal to secure another win.
Speaking to ANI, Chadha stated, “AAP will contest the upcoming Delhi Assembly elections on its own strength. There is no question of an alliance. Reports suggesting a partnership between AAP and Congress are baseless. We have won the last three elections independently, and we will do so again in 2025.”
Earlier in the day, AAP's national convenor, Arvind Kejriwal, also ruled out any possibility of aligning with Congress. In a post on X, Kejriwal reiterated, "AAP will fight this election on its own strength in Delhi. There is no chance of an alliance with Congress."
These statements follow reports suggesting that the two parties were in advanced discussions about forming an electoral alliance in Delhi. On December 7, Delhi Pradesh Congress Committee President Devendra Yadav criticized AAP and its leader Arvind Kejriwal for what he described as the deteriorating law and order situation in Delhi. Yadav also demanded that Kejriwal call for the resignation of Delhi Chief Minister Atishi, similar to his demand for former CM Sheila Dikshit's resignation during the Nirbhaya case.
Yadav further accused the AAP government of failing to address rising crimes against women, including incidents of gang wars, shootings, murders, rapes, harassment, and snatchings. Congress, which ruled Delhi for 15 consecutive years, has struggled in recent elections, failing to secure any seats in the last two Assembly polls.
The Delhi Assembly elections, expected in early 2025, will see AAP defending its stronghold after winning 62 of the 70 seats in 2020, while the BJP managed to secure eight seats.
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