Arvind Kejriwal Declares End of AAP-Congress Alliance, Accuses Congress of Aiding BJP in Gujarat
In a new political development that could reshape opposition dynamics ahead of future elections, Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) national convener Arvind Kejriwal on Thursday announced that his party has officially severed ties with the Congress, asserting that there is no longer any alliance between the two parties.
Kejriwal accused the Congress of acting in collusion with the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) in Gujarat, thereby betraying the cause of united opposition.
Addressing a press conference, Kejriwal clarified that the INDIA alliance (Indian National Developmental Inclusive Alliance) — a coalition of opposition parties formed to jointly challenge the BJP in the 2024 Lok Sabha elections — was limited strictly to the general elections.
According to him, any cooperative understanding or strategic alliance between AAP and Congress no longer exists, especially in the context of state-level politics, such as in Gujarat.
“We have no alliance with Congress now,” Kejriwal said firmly. “If there truly was an alliance, why did the Congress field a candidate in the recent Visavadar bypoll?
They actively contested against us, clearly attempting to weaken the AAP’s chances. It seems the BJP deployed the Congress to divide votes and ensure our defeat. When Congress failed to do so, even the BJP was upset with them,” he alleged.
Kejriwal was referring to the recently concluded Visavadar by-election in Junagadh district, where AAP’s candidate Gopal Italia secured a decisive victory over BJP’s Kirit Patel, winning by a margin of over 17,000 votes.
In that contest, Congress nominee Nitin Ranpariya finished a distant third, garnering only 5,501 votes. This outcome, Kejriwal suggested, reflects a growing public disillusionment with both the BJP and Congress, and signals a potential shift in Gujarat’s political landscape.
Kejriwal: “BJP Has Damaged Gujarat in 30 Years of Rule, Congress a Failing Opposition”
Expanding on his party’s stance, Kejriwal launched a scathing critique of the BJP’s governance in Gujarat, which he said has spanned three decades of continuous rule.
According to him, the ruling party has led the state into a state of despair, with deep-rooted problems in employment, agriculture, and governance.
“Farmers are struggling. Youths are unemployed. The middle class is facing constant pressure. And despite this, most government posts remain vacant. When jobs are offered, they’re usually on a contract basis, denying workers long-term security,” he stated.
Kejriwal also criticized the Congress for its role as an ineffective opposition, alleging that the grand old party is not genuinely interested in defeating the BJP and, in fact, helps the ruling party stay in power.
“People want to vote out the BJP, but they are left asking, ‘Whom should we vote for?’ Everyone knows Congress is in BJP’s pocket.
It’s like the BJP has subcontracted election management to the Congress, and they fulfill their role efficiently,” he remarked sarcastically.
AAP Positions Itself as a Strong Alternative Ahead of 2027 Assembly Elections
Kejriwal emphasized that the political scenario in Gujarat is now witnessing a major transformation, with AAP emerging as a credible third alternative.
He expressed confidence that his party would win the 2027 Gujarat Legislative Assembly elections, ending the decades-long dominance of BJP and replacing the ineffective opposition role long played by the Congress.
“The people of Gujarat now have a genuine choice. They don’t have to choose between the BJP and a party that merely pretends to oppose it.
The Aam Aadmi Party will contest all seats in the 2027 elections and we are going to win. The results of the Visavadar bypoll are a strong indication of people’s faith in us,” Kejriwal declared.
To intensify its outreach, Kejriwal announced the launch of a major public campaign titled ‘Gujarat Jodo Abhiyan’. As part of this initiative, AAP workers will carry out extensive grassroots engagement by visiting every household across the state.
The campaign will also invite people to join the movement by giving a missed call on a dedicated number, thereby building a broader support base.
“We are starting the ‘Gujarat Jodo Abhiyan’ today. Anyone who wants to bring change to Gujarat can become part of AAP. Just give a missed call and join our movement.
Our volunteers will go door-to-door for the next two-and-a-half years to connect with the people. I urge the youth who dream of a corruption-free and progressive Gujarat to join hands with us,” Kejriwal appealed.
