Arrest of Congress MLA Sukhpal Singh Khaira in a case dating back to 2015 Narcotic Substances Pschyotropic Act (NDPS) Act red flags the potential of INDI alliance putting both AAP- Congress claimant of same political spaces with a left to centre orientation.
Having direct implications for a possible AAP-Congress tie up in Delhi and Punjab for the 2024 general elections or will they be go past it ? Punjab Congress unit has come out strongly against any kind of level of involvement and engagement with AAP dashing all hopes and prospects for Congress in a state where it won eight of thirteen parliamentary seats in 2019.
However, AAP running the government both in Delhi and Punjab is refraining from rushing to any conclusion upsetting it’s arithmetic and equations. My own sense is in Delhi, Kejriwal will agree becoming a junior partner to Congress for the sheer fact of transfer of minority votes to Congress in the MCD elections held in December last. Secondly, Congress has a strong foothold in unauthorised clusters, jhuggis etc with a huge influx of migrants.
Giving it almost an edge, a Arvind Kejriwal will not like to spoil their party dominating the electoral scene in Punjab with Bhagwant Mann at the helm of affairs. A win win situation for both preventing the spilt in their votes retaining their core constituency.
I understand Arvind Kejriwal has already read between the lines and is thoroughly watchful with his utterances and stance for a run in with Congress will only appear confrontational and chaotic at this stage. It’s the duty of the top brass in both the parties guiding their lieutenants, ranks and cadres and ensuring discipline and decorum not hampering their stakes for taking on the electoral machinations of BJP and RSS and the popularity PM Modi has amongst the masses.
Opposition will have to creatively weave a narrative if it were to dislodge Modi from getting a third term in office. Field is wide open picking up a plot that resonates will depend on how you employ your resources dear Opposition members!!!!