AAP Issues 24-Hour Ultimatum to Congress Over Ajay Maken's Remarks

The Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) has issued a 24-hour ultimatum to the Congress, challenging action against senior leader Ajay Maken for his recent remarks against Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal. AAP warns that failure to act will encourage them to appeal the INDIA association to expel Congress.

Maken's Controversial Remarks

Recently in a press conference, Ajay Maken, a prominent Congressman called Arvind Kejriwal as "anti-national". He criticized the AAP government for alleged administrative failures and clamed Kejriwal of betraying the anti-corruption movement that brought him to power. Maken also added, "If there is one word to describe former Delhi chief minister Arvind Kejriwal here then it would be ‘Farziwal’."

AAP's Strong Rebuttal

Delhi Chief Minister Atishi anad AAP leaders Sanjay Singh in response, slammed Maken's statements, accusing him of acting at the behest of the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP). Singh stated, "Ajay Maken reads the BJP script, makes statements at the BJP’s behest, and targets AAP leaders on BJP’s instructions."

Ultimatum to Congress

AAP has demanded that the Congress leadership take disciplinary action against Maken within 24 hours. Failing this, AAP threatens to appeal to other members of the INDIA alliance to consider expelling Congress from the coalition. Atishi commented, "If Congress thinks we (AAP) are anti-national, then why did they contest Lok Sabha elections in alliance with us?"

BJP-Congress Nexus Allegations

AAP leaders have also claimed Congress of working with the BJP to weaken AAP's position in Delhi. They accuse that Congress candidates are receiving financial support from the BJP, with Atishi charging, "We have found through credible sources that Congress candidates’ election expenses is coming from the BJP."

Implications for the INDIA Alliance

This conflict establishes a significant challenge to the unity of the INDIA alliance, a union formed to counter the BJP. The rising tensions between AAP and Congress could weaken the alliance's value, especially with upcoming elections in Delhi. As per political analysts the internal conflicts may divert attention from united goals, possibly promoting their common enemy.

Congress's Response

As of now, the Congress party has yet to publicly responded to AAP's challenge. Sources within the party indicate that they may not take immediate action against Maken, viewing his statements as legitimate criticism. This stance could further strain relations within the INDIA alliance.

Crucial Hours for INDIA Alliance

The next 24 hours are crucial for the INDIA alliance's cohesion. The Congress party's response to AAP's demands will likely influence the future dynamics of the coalition. Observers are keenly watching whether the alliance can navigate this internal discord to maintain a united front against the BJP.