New Delhi: In a significant development in the INDIA bloc, Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) and the Congress agreed on a 4:3 seat-sharing arrangement for Delhi ahead of the upcoming Lok Sabha elections. This collaboration extends beyond the capital, encompassing states like Gujarat, Haryana, Goa, and the union territory of Chandigarh.
In Delhi, under the leadership of Arvind Kejriwal, the AAP secures four out of the seven seats, namely West Delhi, South Delhi, East Delhi, and New Delhi. Meanwhile, the grand old party claims the remaining three constituencies – North East Delhi, North West Delhi, and Chandni Chowk. Notably, in the previous 2019 elections, the BJP had clinched victory in all seven seats, underscoring the significance of this strategic realignment.
The joint press conference held by the AAP and the Congress served as the platform for announcing this pivotal seat-sharing agreement, marking a significant moment following the recent electoral success of the opposition’s INDIA bloc in the Chandigarh mayoral poll.
Expanding beyond Delhi, the distribution of constituencies unfolds with AAP vying for two seats in Gujarat – Bharuch and Bhavnagar – and one in Haryana – Kurukshetra. Conversely, the Congress stakes its claim on both seats in Goa and the solitary constituency in Chandigarh.
Notably, AAP’s withdrawal of its candidate from South Goa, a decision made in solidarity with its ally, underscores the cohesion within the coalition.
The intricacies of seat-sharing negotiations have posed challenges for the INDIA bloc, with regional parties’ aspirations complicating the process. Recent electoral setbacks in key states have emboldened these regional powers, demanding a larger share of seats within the alliance.
Furthermore, the Congress has solidified its alliance with Akhilesh Yadav’s Samajwadi Party, securing 17 seats in Uttar Pradesh, the state with the highest representation in the Lok Sabha. However, unresolved discussions persist in Maharashtra, with Congress and the Shiv Sena (UBT) yet to reach a consensus on eight seats, signaling potential hurdles ahead.
