Ajay Maken Criticizes AAP, Stands Firm On “Anti-National” Remark Against Kejriwal

In his first press conference at the newly inaugurated Congress headquarters on Kotla Road, Ajay Maken, the All India Congress Committee (AICC) treasurer, reiterated his stance on the political landscape of Delhi and India. Maken, a veteran politician from Delhi with a history of serving as a three-time MLA and two-time Lok Sabha MP, made it clear that the Congress should not consider an alliance with the Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) for the 2024 Lok Sabha elections.

Maken, who previously called AAP leader Arvind Kejriwal “anti-national,” stood by his earlier remarks when questioned about the comment. “I had given my personal opinion and I still stand by it,” he stated firmly. He added that AAP’s presence in Delhi, while weakening Congress, ultimately benefits the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP).

Reflecting on the 2013 political scenario, Maken explained that Congress’ support for AAP in Delhi had long-term negative effects. “The people of Delhi suffered due to Congress’ backing of AAP, and in the process, the BJP benefited,” he said, underscoring the impact of such decisions on the capital’s political dynamics.

BJP Cannot Be Defeated By Weakening Congress

Maken argued that weakening the Congress will only make it harder to fight the BJP. He emphasized the importance of a strong Congress at the national level to counter the BJP’s dominance. “BJP cannot be fought by weakening the Congress,” Maken declared, stressing that a resilient Congress is essential for a successful opposition strategy in the upcoming elections.

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Maken also highlighted Delhi’s significance in national politics, pointing out that success in Delhi’s Lok Sabha seats is often indicative of forming the government at the Centre. “Whichever party wins the Lok Sabha seats in Delhi succeeds in forming the government at the national level,” he explained.

According to Maken, AAP has failed to effectively challenge the BJP in Delhi. “The AAP has completely failed to fight against the BJP in Delhi,” he claimed, adding that the rise of AAP in the capital has coincided with the BJP’s growing influence nationally.

Past Alliance Talks With AAP And Kejriwal’s Rejection

Maken also recalled discussions between Congress and AAP about potential alliances in Delhi and Haryana. He noted that despite being in advanced talks, Kejriwal made the decision to contest all 90 Haryana assembly seats and later announced that AAP would fight Delhi’s elections alone after the 2019 Lok Sabha elections.

Maken drew attention to Congress’ past success in Delhi, particularly when the party secured all seven Lok Sabha seats during Sheila Dikshit’s tenure as Chief Minister. “By stopping them in Delhi, we also stopped them from coming to power at the Centre,” Maken explained, drawing a direct link between Delhi’s electoral outcomes and national governance. However, he pointed out that since AAP’s rise to power in Delhi, the BJP has dominated both the capital’s and national political scenes.

With these comments, Maken firmly positioned himself against any future alliance with AAP, emphasizing the need for Congress to stand strong and independent in order to effectively challenge the BJP’s political supremacy.