Arvind Kejriwal rules out Congress alliance in 2025.
For some time, there had been speculations surrounding a potential alliance between the Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) and the Congress, with both parties thought to be joining forces to challenge Reports indicated that the two parties were in the final stages of discussions to formalize the alliance, raising expectations of a united front against the BJP in the national capital.
However, in a surprising turn of events, Arvind Kejriwal, the Delhi Chief Minister and AAP leader, dismissed the possibility of an alliance with Congress. He firmly stated that AAP would not enter into any partnership with Congress in the Delhi polls, citing differences in ideology and political approaches.
This declaration has put an end to rumors of a joint campaign between the two parties. Kejriwal’s statement leaves the political landscape in Delhi uncertain, with AAP now set to fight the 2025 elections independently while the Congress will also likely chart its own course.
Arvind Kejriwal Rules Out Alliance with Congress for Delhi 2025 Assembly Elections
New Delhi: In a definitive statement on Wednesday, Arvind Kejriwal, the convenor of the Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) and former Delhi Chief Minister, confirmed that his party would contest the upcoming 2025 Delhi Assembly elections independently. He made it clear that there was no possibility of an alliance with the Congress, putting an end to months of speculation.
For some time, political observers and media reports had been rife with rumors suggesting that AAP and Congress were in the final stages of discussions to forge an alliance in the Delhi Assembly elections. These speculations gained momentum as both parties were seen as potential partners in their mutual opposition to the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP), which has been in power in the national capital since 2015. The idea of a joint campaign was further fueled by the growing discontent with the BJP’s governance, particularly in the wake of its efforts to strengthen its foothold in Delhi’s local politics.
However, in a blunt move, Kejriwal quashed the rumors by unequivocally stating that AAP would not be entering into any such alliance with the Congress. We will go solo,” Kejriwal said. This statement not only dismissed the possibility of a partnership but also signaled a strong stance by AAP to contest the election based on its own record and leadership.
Kejriwal’s Previous Rejections of Congress Alliance
This is not the first time that Kejriwal has publicly rejected the idea of an alliance with Congress. The AAP leader has consistently maintained that his party’s focus is on delivering good governance and addressing local issues that directly affect the people of Delhi. While Congress has been an important player in Delhi’s political landscape, Kejriwal has long expressed that his party’s agenda does not align with Congress’ traditional approach to governance.
In the past, AAP’s refusal to partner with Congress has been largely driven by ideological differences and political rivalry. While AAP has positioned itself as a reformist, anti-corruption alternative, Congress is often seen as a more establishment-oriented force, which has faced criticism over its handling of Delhi’s governance in the past. Kejriwal’s resistance to alliances with Congress underscores his party’s desire to carve out its own space in Delhi politics, separate from the historical dominance of the Congress party.
The decision to contest alone in 2025 is also a reflection of AAP’s growing confidence in its governance model. Over the past few years, the AAP government in Delhi has introduced a series of initiatives aimed at improving public services, including education, healthcare, and electricity. These efforts have earned the party significant support among Delhi’s electorate, particularly in urban constituencies, further cementing its belief that it can win independently.
Rumours of Alliance with Congress
Despite Kejriwal’s rejection of an alliance, the speculation surrounding a possible partnership between AAP and Congress had gained traction. The two parties share a common interest in opposing the BJP, which has enjoyed significant political success in Delhi in recent years. The 2020 Delhi Assembly elections, which saw AAP securing a resounding victory, were followed by reports suggesting that Congress and AAP were exploring the idea of putting up a united front against the BJP in the next election cycle.
Sources within Congress had hinted at the potential for an alliance, especially as both parties were facing pressure from the BJP’s growing influence in the region. Delhi has remained a critical battleground in Indian politics, and a united opposition was seen as a way to challenge the BJP’s dominance in the city. However, these discussions never materialized into a formal proposal, with both parties remaining firm on their respective political strategies.
AAP, under Kejriwal’s leadership, has prioritized its own brand of politics and governance, aiming to distinguish itself from Congress in both policy and execution. Congress, on the other hand, has struggled to regain its footing in Delhi after a series of electoral losses. The Congress party’s inability to connect with younger voters and its internal leadership crises have further weakened its position in the national capital.
AAP’s Strategy for Delhi 2025
With Kejriwal’s announcement, AAP now faces the task of running a full-fledged campaign without the backing of any alliance. However, the party is confident in its ability to secure another term in power. AAP has already announced 31 candidates for the upcoming Delhi Assembly elections, signaling that its preparations for the poll are well underway.
The party’s focus will likely remain on key issues such as public health, education, and improving infrastructure, which have been central to its governance agenda. Kejriwal has emphasized the success of AAP’s policies in Delhi, particularly in sectors like education, where the government has implemented reforms to improve schools and provide free education. These policies have garnered widespread support, especially among urban and middle-class voters.
Furthermore, AAP is likely to continue its criticism of the BJP’s handling of national issues, positioning itself as a pro-people alternative. Kejriwal’s leadership style and the party’s promise of clean governance will be central to its messaging as it seeks to retain power in the upcoming elections.
The Road Ahead
As the 2025 Delhi Assembly elections draw closer, the political landscape is shaping up to be highly competitive. While AAP will face challenges from the BJP and Congress, its track record in governance and the popularity of its leader provide a strong foundation for its campaign. With Kejriwal’s confirmation that AAP will contest independently, it is clear that the party is preparing for a solo battle against its rivals, armed with a platform of local governance and pro-people initiatives. The coming months will reveal how the dynamics between these major political forces evolve and whether AAP’s strategy will prove successful in securing another term in office.