Understanding on ordinance doesn't mean alliances for LS, assembly polls too: Delhi's AAP & Congress leaders

economictimes.indiatimes.com:

Congress lent much-need support to AAP's campaign to unite the Opposition against the Centre's services ordinance, both the parties walked a political tightrope and denied the development could pave the way for a seat-sharing alliance in Delhi. The two-day Opposition meet in Bengaluru has provided a rare opportunity to Congress and AAP to share a common platform.

However, in Delhi, where AAP has pushed Congress into oblivion, both the parties remain opposed to the suggestion of an alliance — neither for 2024 parliamentary polls nor Delhi assembly polls in 2025. Congress chief Mallikarjun Kharge on Monday voiced his opposition to the ordinance, which gives overarching powers to LG over transfer and postings of senior IAS officers, but state leaders denied that this should be seen as an indication for a larger understanding on alliance.

Speaking to ET, former Delhi Congress chief JP Aggarwal said, «Our stance against the Centre's ordinance is not an indication that Congress will have a seat-sharing alliance with AAP in Delhi. We are opposed to AAP and have been fighting against its governance in Delhi and Punjab.» When asked about buzz over an alliance in next year's parliamentary elections and Delhi assembly polls in 2025, Aggarwal said the state unit would go by the party high command's decision but added: «The current issue (of ordinance) is a national issue.

Our state unit is opposed to any alliance with AAP.» On the other hand, the ruling AAP wants to protect its turf in Delhi and Punjab. Internally, the party has kickstarted 'Mission 70 on 70' for Delhi elections in 2025.