Synopsis
Congress leader Sandeep Dikshit has stated that the party will not form an alliance with AAP for the upcoming elections in Gujarat and Goa, responding to Atishi's declaration of contesting independently. He criticized the Election Commission for issues with voters' lists and condemned inappropriate remarks about Holi and Ramadan.Key Takeaways
- Congress will not ally with AAP for elections.
- AAP to contest Gujarat and Goa independently.
- Dikshit criticized Election Commission for voter list discrepancies.
- Condemned remarks about Holi and Ramadan.
- Highlighted potential impact of collaboration on election outcomes.
New Delhi, March 12 (NationPress) Congress leader Sandeep Dikshit has categorically indicated that his party will not pursue a coalition with the Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) for the forthcoming elections in Gujarat and Goa. This statement follows AAP leader Atishi's announcement that her party intends to participate in these elections independently, without any alliance with the historic party.
In an interview with IANS, Dikshit challenged the rationale behind AAP's position, remarking, "What’s novel about this? Who is truly partnering with them? They are merely indulging in self-adoration. If they desire an alliance, they might consider joining forces with parties like the Trinamool or the Samajwadi Party, whose primary agenda appears to be diminishing Congress votes. Congress will not be forming any alliance with them."
Former Delhi Chief Minister Atishi revealed that AAP plans to contest the 2027 elections in Goa and Gujarat without collaborating with Congress.
She also referenced the Delhi Assembly elections, where both parties ran separately, suggesting that a joint effort might have altered the results. She highlighted that AAP experienced losses in more than a dozen seats due to Congress.
In a separate matter, Dikshit condemned the controversial comments made by Uttar Pradesh Minister Raghuraj Singh regarding Holi and Ramadan. Singh had implied that Muslim men should don burqas to evade Holi colors. Dikshit asserted that such statements are inappropriate and lack sensitivity.
He elaborated, "Holi has been celebrated for centuries, irrespective of whether Ramadan coincides with it or not. If some individuals choose not to partake, we do not compel them. This is the essence of our society, which honors diverse festivals and communities."
Dikshit also expressed concerns regarding inconsistencies in the voters' lists in Maharashtra, which have stirred controversy among various political factions.
He criticized the Election Commission for neglecting to address the matter, stating, "The Election Commission is meant to serve the public, yet it seems to be acting with hubris and failing to provide satisfactory responses."
