AAP not part of INDIA bloc: Party MP A dent in Oppn bloc?

The Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) on Friday announced its exit from the Indian National Developmental Inclusive Alliance (INDIA), an alliance of nearly three dozen Opposition parties, saying that the bloc has “failed to stay united and take steps to further its agenda”.

- Alok KN Mishra

The grouping was formed only two years ago in July 2023, to counter the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP)-led ruling National Democratic Alliance (NDA) in the 2024 Lok Sabha elections. The AAP's announcement comes just a day before the scheduled meeting of the INDIA bloc and days before the beginning of the monsoon session of Parliament.

Rajya Sabha MP Sanjay Singh, who made the announcement at his residence, blamed the Congress for the AAP's decision. He also said that like the previous state elections and bypolls, the AAP will fight the upcoming Bihar polls independently.

"The AAP is not a part of the INDIA alliance, though we will continue to strongly raise public issues in Parliament, oppose the government whenever we believe it is in the wrong. We have always played the role of a strong opposition and will continue to do that.