AAP-Congress alliance sealed in Delhi, but not out of the woods yet

Delhi seats, bringing East and Northeast Delhi and Chandni Chowk seats to its fold.

All seven seats in the national capital are currently held by BJP MLAs — each with over 50% of the vote share. (see box)

In 2019, in the Chandni Chowk constituency, incumbent BJP MP Dr Harsh Vardhan had claimed almost 53% of the vote share, while Congress came in second with 30% votes. In Northeast Delhi, BJP’s Manoj Tiwari secured almost 54%, Congress’ Sheila Dikshit got almost 19%. In East Delhi, BJP’s Gautam Gambhir polled more than 55% votes, with Congress’ Arvinder Singh Lovely getting more than 24%.

“These are the three seats that AAP wants us to contest. Out of these, two share a border with Uttar Pradesh (East and North-east). When we analysed our performance in previous elections, including municipal polls, we found that our performance has suffered because of polarisation… The final announcement is expected on Friday, where the seat roster will also be revealed,”a senior Congress leader said.

While both parties were in favour of an alliance in Delhi, a

decision on Gujarat, Goa and Haryana were the sticking points. A long wait in coming to a final decision — the last meeting between AAP and Congress leaders was held in January — was also playing on AAP’s mind, sources said.

While all issues related to seat-sharing in states have not been ironed out yet, AAP is likely to contest two seats in Gujarat and one in Haryana. In Gujarat, AAP has declared Botad MLA Umesh Makwana as its candidate for the Bhavnagar Lok Sabha seat, and Dediapada MLA Chaitar Vasava from Bharuch.

Sources said while Congress was willing to part with the Bhavnagar seat, the Bharuch seat is still under discussion.

AAP has also announced a candidate, Venzy Viegas, from the South Goa Lok Sabha seat. The party is likely going to give this to Congress as the party won the seat in 2019. Congress will contest from Chandigarh, while AAP will get one seat in Haryana, sources said.