The Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) has issued a stern warning, stating that it will walk out of the opposition meeting scheduled for Friday in Patna if the Congress party does not pledge its support against the Centre’s ordinance on the control of administrative services in Delhi. Party sources have revealed that the AAP is seeking the Congress’ backing to challenge the controversial ordinance, which grants greater control to the central government over the administrative services in the national capital.
The ordinance in question has been a contentious issue between the AAP-led Delhi government and the central government, led by the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP). The AAP argues that the ordinance undermines the autonomy and power of the Delhi government, as it allows the Lieutenant Governor, who represents the central government, to make key decisions without consulting the elected government. The party has been vocally opposing the move, asserting that it is a violation of the principles of federalism and an encroachment on the rights of the elected government.
In response to the AAP’s ultimatum, Congress leader Sandeep Dikshit dismissed the significance of Arvind Kejriwal’s potential absence from the meeting, stating that he would not be missed. This comment reflects the strained relationship between the AAP and the Congress party, as both parties have often found themselves at odds in the past. While the AAP seeks the Congress’ support on the issue of administrative services in Delhi, it remains to be seen whether the Congress will lend its full support or adopt a more cautious approach due to its own political considerations.
The opposition meeting, convened by Bihar Chief Minister and Janata Dal (United) chief Nitish Kumar, aims to devise a joint strategy to challenge the ruling BJP in the upcoming 2024 Lok Sabha elections. Opposition parties have been attempting to forge alliances and unite against the BJP, which has enjoyed a dominant position in Indian politics in recent years. However, with varying ideologies and regional interests at play, the task of forming a cohesive opposition front has proven to be challenging.
The AAP’s threat to walk out of the opposition meeting underscores the party’s determination to prioritize the issue of administrative services in Delhi and seek a united front against the central government. The party believes that securing the Congress’ support on this matter would strengthen their position and add weight to their demands. However, the Congress’ response will be crucial in determining the outcome of this situation. If the Congress does not assure its support, it could potentially strain the already fragile relationship between the two parties and further complicate efforts to form a unified opposition front.
The coming days will reveal whether the AAP carries out its threat to boycott the opposition meeting or if last-minute negotiations and compromises can be reached to avert such a scenario. Regardless of the outcome, it is evident that the issue of administrative services in Delhi continues to be a contentious subject, with political parties jostling for influence and power in the national capital.
