The Congress’ Delhi in-charge P.C. Chacko on Thursday argued that the party would have a “direct fight” with the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) in the Capital in the Lok Sabha election. He also questioned Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) chief Arvind Kejriwal’s “seriousness” when it came to defeating the BJP.
Mr. Chacko, speaking on the sidelines of an event organised by the Delhi Congress to introduce its respective candidates for the seven parliamentary seats in the Capital, also said that the possibility of an alliance between the two parties was a “closed chapter”.
Blames Kejriwal
“It is difficult to get AAP into confidence because we have doubts about Kejriwal’s intention...without any reason he stepped back. That is why we still have doubt about him being serious about defeating the BJP,” Mr. Chacko said.
Arguing that Mr. Kejriwal was to be “squarely blamed” for the failure to arrive at an understanding in this regard, Mr. Chacko accused him of going “back on his words” after a 4-3 seat-sharing formula was worked out.
“The time is over now. Tomorrow is the last day for withdrawal of names, so that possibility is not there. The alliance is a closed chapter now. They have openly taken a stand that they do not want an alliance with the Congress,” he said.
Manifesto release
Meanwhile, the party said it would soon release a manifesto especially for the Capital aimed at “addressing specific issues” being faced by the citizens of Delhi.
The party has fielded former Chief Minister Sheila Dikshit from the North-East, boxer-turned politician Vijender Singh from the South, Rajesh Lilothia from the North West, Jai Prakash Agarwal from the Chandni Chowk, Arvinder Singh Lovely from the East and Mahabal Mishra from the West Delhi seats.
“All the Congress candidates are familiar to the people of Delhi as they have been serving the people for the past many years, and they will seek votes on the strength of their solid track records,” Ms. Dikshit said.