Haryana Assembly poll 2024: AAP hints at going solo as seat-sharing talks stall in alliance negotiations

PTC News Desk: The Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) flexed its political strength on Saturday amid ongoing talks for a pre-poll alliance with Congress in Haryana, signaling its readiness to contest all seats independently. With the nomination deadline of September 12 approaching, both parties appear to be holding firm in their bargaining positions.

Hours before AAP’s Raghav Chadha met with AICC general secretary Deepak Babaria to negotiate seat-sharing, AAP leaders made it clear that they should not be underestimated. “We are prepared to contest every seat on our own. Those assessing us as weak will regret it in the future,” said AAP’s national general secretary Sandeep Pathak, highlighting the party’s tougher stance, just a day after Congress released its first list of 32 candidates.

According to sources, this list includes several constituencies AAP had expressed interest in. A Congress insider stated, “We could not give up winnable seats at any cost.” Regarding the outcome of the third round of negotiations (following earlier discussions between Chadha and AICC general secretary KC Venugopal, a close aide to Rahul Gandhi), Babaria commented, “Seat-sharing talks are ongoing. Nothing is final yet, but we should have clarity in a day or two.” Congress officials believe AAP’s seat demands are excessive, with one source noting, “They’re asking for around 20 seats, which is unreasonable.”

While the Haryana Congress unit is not fully in favor of the alliance, national leaders, particularly Rahul Gandhi, are keen to maintain the unity of the INDIA bloc, where both AAP and Congress are partners. “For these talks to succeed, there needs to be an equal commitment from both sides,” a Congress Central Election Committee (CEC) member said.

Meanwhile, AAP insiders revealed that they are preparing to contest at least 50 out of the 90 Haryana assembly seats and may release their first list of candidates by Sunday. Some even suggested that the alliance talks are on the verge of collapse.

Regarding the alliance’s prospects, a CEC member remarked, “It’s touch and go. We are still in talks, but it could go either way.”

In another development, the Congress CEC struggled to reach a consensus on 24 particularly contested seats. The task of selecting candidates for these constituencies has been handed over to a sub-committee, as too many contenders are vying for these positions, making it a challenge for the party.