New Delhi: Congress leader Alka Lamba clarified that her statement regarding Congress’ preparation for all seven seats in Delhi for the 2024 Lok Sabha elections did not touch upon alliance considerations. Responding to AAP leaders’ queries about the significance of the INDIA bloc, Lamba, now referred to as X, tweeted, “What’s the fuss? Bharat will unite, India will triumph.”
In a meeting held on Wednesday, the Congress discussed its readiness for the upcoming Lok Sabha election in Delhi. Notable figures present included party chief Mallikarjun Kharge and former leader Rahul Gandhi.
Following the meeting, Alka Lamba, a leader within the Delhi Congress, conveyed that the session lasted for three hours. She explained, “Initially, the conversation centered around organizational aspects—identifying weaknesses and strategies for reinforcement. Later, the discussion turned to the Delhi Lok Sabha election. Similar meetings have occurred in 18 states. We’ve been instructed to prepare for all seven seats as there are seven months left. Commencing today, we’ll get to work because whoever holds Delhi influences the nation.”
“Talks of forming an alliance have not occurred. Hence, I cannot confirm whether we will contest from all seats, two, or four. Our task is to remain ready,” Lamba noted.
Presently, the BJP holds all seven Lok Sabha seats in Delhi. The Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) is affiliated with the opposition coalition, INDIA (Indian National Developmental Inclusive Alliance), spearheaded by the Congress. Despite being political rivals in Delhi and Punjab, AAP joined the INDIA bloc after the Congress supported AAP on the Delhi services bill, which eventually passed in Parliament. AAP expressed gratitude for Congress’ assistance against the bill.
As the INDIA bloc gears up to contest the Lok Sabha election collaboratively, crucial discussions about seat-sharing will take place with regional parties. If Congress decides to contest all seven Delhi seats, AAP is expected to object.
“If Congress isn’t interested in an alliance in Delhi, attending INDIA meetings becomes fruitless and a waste of time. Our leadership will decide whether we participate in the next INDIA meeting,” AAP spokesperson Priyanka Kakkar remarked.
In the wake of Alka Lamba’s statement triggering a verbal exchange, Deepak Babaria, Delhi in-charge of the Congress, commented that Lamba lacks the maturity of a spokesperson. He emphasized that she lacks the authorization to discuss significant matters. A longstanding Congress member, Alka Lamba, joined AAP in 2014 but later returned to the Congress in 2019.
