In a surprising turn of events just ahead of the pivotal meeting of the Opposition consortium, the Indian National Developmental Inclusive Alliance (INDIA), Aam Admi Party (AAP) spokesperson Priyanka Kakkar has thrown her support behind the idea of party convenor and Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal being the alliance’s prime ministerial candidate.
Speaking to ANI on Wednesday, Ms. Kakkar stated, “If you ask me, I would want Arvind Kejriwal to be the Prime Ministerial candidate (of the Opposition alliance).” She highlighted that Kejriwal has consistently raised issues pertinent to the public, positioning himself as a credible contender against Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s leadership.
“From the scrutiny of the PM’s educational records to qualifications, Arvind Kejriwal has fearlessly voiced his opinions on a wide array of subjects,” Kakkar further affirmed.
Despite the potential disruption her statement could cause within the Opposition fold, the AAP spokesperson emphasized that INDIA is actively steering the country toward a new direction. Notably, she underscored that even amidst rising costs of essential commodities, Delhi maintains the “lowest” inflation rate. She enumerated various public-friendly initiatives undertaken by the Delhi government, such as free water, education, electricity, bus rides for women, and pilgrimage for the elderly, all while presenting a surplus budget.
In the buildup to the third meeting of INDIA, taking place in Mumbai, discussions are anticipated to focus on strategies for upcoming state elections and the crucial general elections scheduled for next year. The meeting, spanning September 1 and 2, is also expected to unveil the alliance’s logo.
The alliance, comprising around 26 parties including the Congress, emerged as a collective force against the BJP-led National Democratic Alliance (NDA). The initiative’s inaugural session was convened by Bihar Chief Minister Nitish Kumar in Patna on June 23, followed by the second gathering in Congress-ruled Karnataka on July 17-18.
As the Opposition strives to consolidate its stance and present a united front against the ruling coalition, Priyanka Kakkar’s endorsement of Arvind Kejriwal as a prime ministerial contender adds an intriguing dimension to the dynamics of Indian politics, raising speculation about the alliance’s future course of action.
Sources By Agencies
