Just like in Delhi, the Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) now boasts a mayor in Chandigarh. A common thread in both cities is that Kejriwal's leaders have successfully outplayed the BJP. Securing the mayor's seat in Delhi was no easy feat for AAP, and without the support from the Supreme Court in Chandigarh, they would have been at a loss.
Such wins often boost a leadership's morale, a pattern observed multiple times. It is commendable that no such signs of overconfidence have been shown from Arvind Kejriwal's side. On the contrary, in terms of alliance with Congress, Kejriwal has shown great heart. The tendency to lose one's head upon gaining momentum is something Congress leadership has often witnessed. Post 2018 state elections, Rahul Gandhi's stance after forming governments in three states was almost dismissive towards opposition leaders.
Even in 2019, Kejriwal had made significant efforts to forge an electoral alliance with Congress but to no avail. Back then, Rahul Gandhi's stance was similar, with the impasse largely attributed to Delhi's former Chief Minister Sheila Dikshit.
Now, there seem to be several reasons for Kejriwal and Gandhi to move forward with their alliance talks. Notable is the INDIA block — a key takeaway is that Chandigarh's election wasn't just a win for Kejriwal but for the entire INDIA block.
Kejriwal himself has stated that the Chandigarh victory is a triumph for INDIA block, and AAP leader Raghav Chadha also hinted at a coalition with Congress early on - a claim that turned into reality after some legal struggles.
Acknowledging the win, Kejriwal is dedicatedly finalizing a seat-sharing agreement and coalition with Congress without any hesitation - a perspective undoubtedly dawning on leaders like Rahul Gandhi, Mamata Banerjee, and Akhilesh Yadav in recognizing the significance of the INDIA block.
Kejriwal to seal the electoral alliance with Congress.
The Chandigarh mayoral election result is a major driver for Kejriwal's readiness for an alliance, but the groundwork had begun earlier when Delhi's Chief Minister visited Congress leader Abhishek Manu Singhvi's residence for lunch. There, Kejriwal pointed out Singhvi as a trouble-shooter.
A news break following the lunch hinted that alliance talks between Kejriwal and Congress were still underway, heading in a positive direction. The Supreme Court's decision on the Chandigarh mayoral election saw Kejriwal reiterate this point, but with greater seriousness towards finalizing the coalition.
Doubts about the alliance had been brewing when AAP leader Sandeep Pathak announced leaving just one seat for Congress, with the ultimatum that if Congress delayed, his party would release candidates for all seven Delhi seats.
However, it's crucial to note that this alliance is taking shape exclusively in Delhi, not Punjab. Like in 2019, Rahul Gandhi used to excuse himself on the reluctance of state leaders for coalition, it seems Kejriwal is strategizing similarly, citing Punjab Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann this round.
When asked in a press conference if they would reconsider seat-sharing in Punjab for the Lok Sabha elections, Kejriwal's straightforward answer — 'Don't worry, we will win' — shows clear strategic intent.
