Backing Stronger Ally in Delhi: SP, TMC Reiterate AAP Support

The Samajwadi Party and the Trinamool Congress, two key constituents of the Indian National Developmental Inclusive Alliance (INDIA), on Wednesday reiterated their support for the Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) in poll-bound Delhi, stating that the AAP is better positioned to defeat the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) than the Congress.

- HT Correspondent

NEW DELHI:

Samajwadi Party chief Akhilesh Yadav said his party decided to back the AAP because it is "strong in Delhi." Speaking to reporters in Haridwar, he emphasized that the priority for the INDIA bloc is to defeat the BJP. "The Congress and the AAP share the same goal," he added.

Yadav reiterated that the INDIA bloc remained intact and that during its formation, members agreed to support the strongest regional party in each area. "Since the AAP is strong in Delhi, Samajwadi Party will support it. Wherever a regional party is strong against the BJP, we will back them," he said.

In West Bengal, Trinamool Congress leader Abhishek Banerjee echoed Yadav's sentiments.

"When we formed the INDIA bloc, we agreed to support those who are powerful in their regions. In Bengal, it is TMC. In Delhi, AAP has a clear mandate, having won 67 out of 70 seats," he said. Banerjee stressed that the TMC will support the Congress where it is strong, back the DMK in Tamil Nadu, and the AAP in Delhi.