Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal called on Congress leader Rahul Gandhi to come to a resolution over the Delhi ordinance at an opposition meeting in Patna. According to sources, Kejriwal suggested resolving the differences over tea and urged Gandhi to move forward together. The Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) is yet to confirm its attendance at the opposition parties’ next meeting in Shimla. On Friday, opposition parties agreed to unite against the Bharatiya Janata Party in the 2024 Lok Sabha elections. However, the AAP issued a statement saying any alliance with Congress would be very difficult following their contentious dispute over the Delhi ordinance.
Kejriwal’s appeal for unity came after the confusion over Congress’ stance on the Delhi ordinance. Several opposition parties have criticized the Centre’s decision and demanded its withdrawal. In response, the Congress initially decided against attending the meeting in Patna, causing confusion over whether it supported the opposition’s stand on the ordinance.
In Friday’s meeting, opposition parties resolved to take on the BJP in 2024 Lok Sabha elections. But AAP sources say they are yet to decide whether they will attend the opposition parties’ next meeting in Shimla. Congress chief Mallikarjun Kharge will chair the meeting, tentatively planned on July 10 or 12.
The Delhi ordinance proposes to provide a three-year imprisonment sentence and a fine for any offence committed against healthcare professionals or their property. The AAP government in Delhi has opposed the ordinance, calling it draconian.
The dispute over the ordinance has raised concerns about unity among opposition parties. However, Kejriwal’s appeal for unity signals a desire to move past the disagreement and work together to challenge the BJP in future elections.
Overall, Kejriwal’s message of putting differences aside and working together is crucial for the opposition to avoid disunity and present a strong front against the BJP. However, it remains to be seen how the Congress and AAP will resolve their differences over the Delhi ordinance and their eventual alliance in future elections.
