New Delhi [India]: BJP leader Shehzad Poonawalla criticized the Congress party’s alliance dynamics within the INDIA bloc, referring to their relationship with the Samajwadi Party (SP) as a “situationship.”
Speaking to media, Poonawalla remarked, “Congress is in a ‘situationship’ with Samajwadi Party. Samajwadi Party takes Congress’ support in Milkipur but gives them Triple-Talaq in Delhi and takes AAP’s support. INDI Alliance has become a ‘situationship’. Hands are joined for the photos, but hearts are not connected.”
He added that the Congress has become a burden not only for the public but also for its alliance partners, claiming, “A no-confidence motion against Rahul Gandhi and Congress is first passed by the public, then by their alliance parties. Samajwadi Party has left them in Delhi.”
Congress’ Support in Milkipur
The remarks came in light of the upcoming Milkipur bypoll, scheduled for February 5, where the Congress has opted not to field its candidate, extending support to SP’s nominee Ajit Prasad, son of Faizabad MP Awadhesh Prasad. Ajit Prasad will face BJP’s Chandrabhan Paswan in the bypoll.
SP Aligns with AAP in Delhi
Samajwadi Party Chief Akhilesh Yadav clarified his party’s decision to support the Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) in Delhi instead of Congress, stating, “AAP is stronger than Congress in Delhi. The regional party fighting against the BJP should be supported by INDIA alliance leaders. Our goal is to defeat BJP.”
Yadav emphasized the importance of strategic alliances based on regional strengths, explaining that SP’s focus was on defeating BJP rather than choosing sides within the INDIA bloc.
TMC Joins Hands with AAP
Following SP’s announcement, the Trinamool Congress (TMC) also declared its support for AAP in the upcoming Delhi assembly elections, signaling a shift in dynamics within the INDIA alliance.
Key Dates for Delhi Assembly Elections
The Delhi assembly polls will be conducted in a single phase on February 5, with the counting of votes on February 8.
- AAP has announced candidates for all 70 seats.
- BJP has declared candidates for 59 seats.
- Congress, struggling to regain relevance in Delhi, has yet to announce its candidates.
The last date for filing nominations is January 17, followed by scrutiny on January 18. Candidature withdrawal is allowed until January 20.
In the 2020 Delhi assembly elections, AAP dominated by securing 62 out of 70 seats, while BJP managed eight. Congress failed to win any seats, continuing its downward trajectory in the capital.