The assembly elections in Delhi have witnessed an unprecedented escalation in political rhetoric, with Congress leader Rahul Gandhi directly targeting Aam Aadmi Party convener Arvind Kejriwal for the first time. At a rally in Seelampur, Gandhi accused Kejriwal of adopting strategies akin to the BJP, branding him as a purveyor of false promises and propaganda. This sharp critique marks a significant shift in the dynamics between the two parties, which had contested the 2024 Lok Sabha elections as allies under the India Bloc.
For weeks, both Congress and AAP have exchanged accusations of covert ties with the BJP. Kejriwal, in turn, accused Gandhi of abusive rhetoric, asserting that his struggle is not just about political rivalry but about saving the country. While both parties share a history of aligning against the BJP’s policies, this public spat underscores a deeper schism, fuelled by competing ambitions and ideological differences.
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The relationship between Congress and AAP has always been fraught. Despite their alliance in the 2024 Lok Sabha elections, the two parties’ interactions have often been marred by mutual distrust. In Delhi, where AAP wrested power from Congress in 2013, the latter has struggled to regain its foothold, failing to secure a single seat in the 2015 and 2020 assembly elections. AAP’s ascendancy in Punjab and its growing presence in Gujarat have further eroded Congress’s traditional voter base.
This history of rivalry is compounded by the strategic considerations of both parties. Congress leaders, including Delhi Pradesh Congress President Devendra Yadav, have openly criticised Kejriwal for failing to deliver on promises like tackling corruption and pollution. Meanwhile, Kejriwal’s assertion that Congress’s declining influence is a result of its inability to adapt resonates with AAP’s narrative of being the true alternative to both BJP and Congress.
Rahul Gandhi’s pointed attacks on Kejriwal during the Seelampur rally reveal the high stakes of the upcoming elections. Delhi’s political landscape holds symbolic and strategic importance. For Congress, reclaiming ground in the capital is essential to reviving its organizational strength. For AAP, retaining control of Delhi is critical to maintaining its national relevance.
Gandhi’s criticisms—ranging from AAP’s handling of pollution to its perceived neglect of marginalized communities—seek to challenge Kejriwal’s claims of effective governance. In response, Kejriwal has framed the conflict as a fight for the nation’s soul, attempting to sidestep direct engagement with Gandhi’s allegations. This strategy aligns with his broader positioning as a leader focused on systemic change rather than political mudslinging.
Amid this political infighting, the BJP has remained a calculated observer. By highlighting the discord between its opposition, the ruling party seeks to reinforce its narrative of being the only stable and cohesive political force. BJP IT cell head Amit Malviya’s quip about Kejriwal’s precarious position in New Delhi underscores the party’s intent to capitalize on the fragmentation of the anti-BJP vote.
According to political analysts, the rivalry between Congress and AAP extends beyond Delhi. It reflects a larger battle for leadership within the opposition bloc, particularly ahead of the 2029 Lok Sabha elections. Several surveys suggest that Kejriwal is emerging as the second most popular leader at the national level after Rahul Gandhi. This growing prominence poses a direct challenge to Congress’s traditional claim to the mantle of principal opposition.
Kejriwal’s ambitions are evident in his efforts to expand AAP’s footprint beyond its strongholds. By positioning AAP as a viable alternative to BJP and Congress, Kejriwal seeks to attract disillusioned voters from both camps. However, this strategy has also led to allegations of splitting the anti-BJP vote, as seen in Gujarat, where AAP’s entry diluted Congress’s support and indirectly benefited the BJP.
The deteriorating relations between Congress and AAP cast a shadow over the India Bloc, an alliance of major opposition parties formed to counter the BJP’s dominance. Without a clear framework for collaboration or a unified leadership structure, the bloc risks becoming a coalition of convenience rather than a cohesive political force.
