INDIA Bloc Breakdown: AAP offers Congress 1 seat in Delhi; names candidates in Goa, Gujarat for Lok Sabha elections

Lok Sabha elections: The INDIA bloc faces a significant setback as the RLD exits the alliance in UP, followed by the Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) snubbing the Congress in Delhi. Contrary to earlier expectations of a 3-4 seat-sharing formula between the Congress and AAP in Delhi, AAP has extended an offer of just one Lok Sabha seat to the Congress.

AAP MP Sandeep Pathak said despite the Congress' minimal electoral presence in Delhi, they were willing to offer one seat in the spirit of alliance. The AAP plans to contest in the remaining six seats in Delhi.

Sandeep Pathak said, "If you look at this data on a merit basis, the Congress does not get a single seat, but keeping in mind the dharma of the alliance and the respect of the Congress, we offer them one seat. So we propose that the Congress fights on one seat, and the Aam Aadmi Party fights on six seats."

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However, the announcement of candidates for these seats is yet to be made. Pathak expressed hope for a forthcoming meeting in Delhi to determine the next steps, and if no consensus is reached, the AAP plans to announce candidates for the six seats in the next few days.

In a strategic move, the AAP challenged the Congress by nominating Benaulim MLA Venzy Viegas as the candidate to contest the Lok Sabha poll from the South Goa seat, currently held by Congress MP Francisco Sardinha. Additionally, AAP revealed Chaitar Vasava from Bharuch and Umesh Bhai Makwana from Bhavnagar as candidates from Gujarat.

Expressing disappointment over the lack of progress in seat-sharing discussions with Congress, Pathak disclosed that despite two official meetings, no concrete outcomes have been achieved. He emphasized the importance of alliance discussions and hoped for acceptance of the announced candidates in Assam.

As the Lok Sabha elections approach, political dynamics are in flux, with parties maneuvering to form alliances and connect with voters. The BJP's inclusion of new partners like the RLD has strained the unity of the INDIA bloc, impacting its ability to present a cohesive front. The evolving political landscape hints at the challenges ahead for parties aiming to consolidate support in the upcoming elections.