AAP 'welcomes' Rahul's invitation for alliance in Haryana
The Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) has expressed support for Congress leader Rahul Gandhi's suggestion of an AAP-Congress alliance in Haryana ahead of the upcoming state assembly elections. Responding positively to the Leader of the Opposition's proposal, AAP MP Sanjay Singh said, "We welcome it. Our priority is to defeat the BJP. Our Haryana in-charge, Sandeep Pathak, and Sushil Gupta will discuss the matter, inform Arvind Kejriwal, and a final decision will be made accordingly."
Gandhi interested in AAP-Congress alliance: Report
According to reports, during a Congress Central Election Committee meeting focused on Haryana, Gandhi inquired about the potential and advantages of forming an alliance with the AAP for the state elections. Party sources indicate that Gandhi is interested in exploring a coalition with the AAP and has sought feedback from senior leaders on the matter. Meanwhile, AAP Haryana President Sushil Gupta stated that the party is preparing to contest all 90 seats.
AAP Haryana preparing for polls: Gupta
"We are holding meetings in every assembly and consistently organizing programs. The Aam Aadmi Party is committed to forming a majority government, aiming to change the system and overthrow the arrogant and dictatorial BJP government," Gupta said. When questioned about a possible alliance with Congress in Haryana, he responded, "This decision will be taken by the high command."
What BJP said on AAP-Congress's likely alliance
The BJP expressed little concern over a potential alliance between the AAP and Congress, citing past failures of such tie ups. BJP MP Praveen Khandelwal remarked, "Overall, it is a political statement from Rahul Gandhi. We have seen in Delhi that the alliance between the AAP and Congress did not succeed. No matter how much they try, the people of Delhi and the country have already recognized these faces and will not be deceived by them any longer."
Haryana poll dates postponed
Separately, the Election Commission of India announced on Saturday that the Haryana assembly poll date has been postponed from October 1 to October 5. This decision was made in consideration of a centuries-old festival observed by the Bishnoi community. Additionally, the counting of votes for the Jammu and Kashmir and Haryana assembly elections will now take place on October 8 instead of October 4.
Why were Haryana polls rescheduled
Earlier, the Haryana elections were scheduled to occur alongside the final phase of the Jammu and Kashmir elections. However, the poll date was revised to respect the Bishnoi community's traditions, which have been practiced for 300-400 years in honor of their Guru Jambheshwar. The ECI stated that it received a request from the national president of the All India Bishnoi Mahasabha in Bikaner, Rajasthan, to reschedule the Haryana assembly elections, which led to the postponement.
