The Aam Aadmi Party (AAP), which currently governs Delhi and Punjab, has left many people wondering whether it will attend the upcoming meeting of opposition parties in Bengaluru, Karnataka. The meeting, scheduled for July 17 and 18, is expected to be attended by various political parties, including the Congress.
Despite ongoing back-channel talks with AAP and other parties, the party’s leadership has not yet confirmed its presence at the meeting. Although attempts were made to reach out to AAP for a comment, no response was received immediately.
During the first meeting of opposition parties in Patna, AAP had demanded that the Congress clarify its position on the Delhi ordinance, which granted the central government control over Delhi’s bureaucracy. The Congress, however, did not provide an immediate commitment, although they indicated that they would not support any unlawful ordinance. After the meeting, AAP issued a statement stating that it would find it difficult to attend the next meeting where the Congress is participating.
The Congress has yet to clearly state its stance on the ordinance. The party has called a meeting of its Parliamentary strategy group to decide its position on the Delhi ordinance and other issues.
As a result, back-channel talks have gained momentum between different parties. Trinamool Congress leader Derek O’Brien stated, We are different political parties– not photocopies of each other. Obviously there are varied dynamics; some parties are more comfortable with certain others. That’s quite natural. O’Brien added that there is no deadlock on any issue and that everything is going well. He affirmed that the opposition parties are working together cohesively to present a positive vision for India beyond 2024.
However, O’Brien and other interlocutors could not confirm whether AAP would attend the meeting. A senior Left leader, who is in touch with the AAP leadership, mentioned that as of Thursday, AAP had not confirmed its attendance.
Considering that AAP toppled the Congress governments in Delhi and Punjab, it might be politically uncomfortable for them to join a meeting hosted in a Congress-ruled state. Additionally, AAP contested the assembly election against the Congress and the BJP in Karnataka but failed to secure any seats.
The meeting in Bengaluru is set to begin with an informal discussion and dinner hosted by Karnataka Chief Minister Siddaramaiah on Monday. The formal meeting will take place on Tuesday. It is unlikely that the Delhi Chief Minister, representing AAP, will attend the dinner hosted by the Congress. There is a strong possibility that AAP may choose to skip the meeting altogether or send emissaries instead.
The final decision may depend on AAP’s assessment of the Congress Parliamentary strategy group’s meeting. It remains to be seen whether they will ultimately choose to attend the opposition meeting or not.
