With the Delhi Assembly elections approaching, Congress leader Ashok Gehlot on Wednesday termed the Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) as its primary opponent and expressed confidence in Congress’s campaign.
“They (AAP) are our opposition. They are harbouring a misconception since they won twice in Delhi. The situation has changed. Congress is conducting a better campaign, and the results will be different this time,” Gehlot said in an interview with media.
Kejriwal Responds to Gehlot’s Remarks
AAP leader and Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal reacted sharply to Gehlot’s comments, alleging that Congress and BJP are working together to oppose AAP in Delhi.
“Gehlot ji, you made it clear that the Congress sees AAP as its opposition in Delhi, while remaining silent on the BJP. This proves what people have suspected—that BJP and Congress are fighting the elections together against AAP,” Kejriwal posted on X.
Gehlot dismissed Kejriwal’s claims as “impossible” and instead focused on his state’s achievements in healthcare, highlighting Rajasthan’s universal health coverage and the recently launched Right to Health law.
Congress Launches ‘Jeevan Raksha Yojana’
In Delhi, Congress announced the ‘Jeevan Raksha Yojana,’ a health scheme promising Rs 25 lakh health coverage per family. Congress leader Gurdeep Singh Sappal contrasted Congress’s legacy with AAP and BJP, emphasizing the simplicity and dedication of Congress leaders.
“BJP attacks AAP on ‘Sheesh Mahal,’ while AAP criticizes BJP on the new PM residence. Amid this, Congress stands as a party with a proven track record of governance and simplicity,” Sappal said, citing examples of leaders like Sonia Gandhi and Manmohan Singh.
Election Dates and Context
The Delhi Assembly elections will be held on February 5, with results announced on February 8. AAP, which has dominated the past two elections, is seeking a third consecutive term, leveraging its focus on education and healthcare.
In 2020, AAP won 62 out of 70 seats, while BJP secured eight. Congress, which ruled Delhi for 15 years, failed to win any seat in the last two elections, aiming for a revival this time.