In a surprising turn of events just a day before the scheduled meeting of the INDIA bloc and days ahead of the commencement of the monsoon session of Parliament, the Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) has announced its formal exit from the coalition. The decision comes after the party cited the bloc’s failure “to stay united and take steps to further its cause.”
The AAP, led by Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal, had been a key player in the INDIA bloc, a coalition of nearly three dozen opposition parties formed in July 2023 with the common goal of challenging the ruling BJP-led NDA. The coalition was formed in an attempt to create a united front against the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP), which has dominated Indian politics for several years.
The AAP’s decision to exit the INDIA bloc was announced by senior party leader Sanjay Singh, who accused the Congress party of failing to maintain unity within the coalition. “The Congress party has failed to live up to its promises and responsibilities within the INDIA bloc,” Singh said in a press conference on Friday.
The timing of the AAP’s exit is significant as it comes just days before the monsoon session of Parliament, which is set to begin soon. The AAP had been expected to play a key role in the opposition’s strategy during this crucial parliamentary session.
With the AAP’s departure from the INDIA bloc, questions are being raised about the future of the coalition and its ability to present a united front against the BJP-led NDA. The Congress party has yet to issue an official response to the AAP’s exit from the alliance.
The Constitution of India guarantees the right to form political parties and alliances, and the actions of the AAP and the Congress party are being closely watched by political observers across the country. As the monsoon session of Parliament approaches, it remains to be seen how this development will impact the balance of power in the Lok Sabha.
