New Delhi [India], January 11: Congress MP Manish Tewari asserted on Saturday that the opposition alliance INDIA was established to “safeguard the soul of the country” and emphasized that its formation went beyond just the Lok Sabha elections.
His comments came after Shiv Sena (UBT) MP Sanjay Raut voiced concerns over the lack of coordination within the INDIA alliance, attributing the disarray to Congress’ handling post the Lok Sabha elections.
“I agree with what Omar Abdullah said. We fought the Lok Sabha elections together and had a good result. After that, it was our collective responsibility, particularly Congress, to keep the INDIA alliance intact, hold discussions, and show a way forward,” Raut had stated, adding that leaders like Omar Abdullah, Mamata Banerjee, Akhilesh Yadav, and Arvind Kejriwal believe the alliance has lost its relevance.
In response, Tewari told ANI, “INDIA alliance performed well in the country during the Lok Sabha elections, preventing the BJP from securing a significant victory… The future course of action will be decided collectively by all leaders of the INDIA alliance. It was not formed merely for the elections, but to safeguard the ‘Idea of India.'”
Meanwhile, AAP Chief Arvind Kejriwal stated that the Delhi assembly elections would be a direct contest between AAP and BJP, not between the INDIA alliance parties.
“Delhi assembly election is between AAP and BJP, not the INDIA alliance. I am grateful to all parties supporting us, including Mamata Banerjee, Akhilesh Yadav, and Uddhav Thackeray’s party,” Kejriwal said.
The Delhi assembly elections are set for February 5, with vote counting on February 8. The nomination deadline is January 17, scrutiny will be on January 18, and withdrawal is allowed until January 20. A three-way contest is expected between AAP, BJP, and Congress.
While Congress dominated Delhi for 15 years, it has struggled in recent elections, failing to win a seat in the 2020 assembly elections where AAP secured 62 out of 70 seats, with BJP securing 8.