Could Ajay Maken’s resignation open doors for an AAP-CONG alliance?

NEW DELHI: The row over the resignation of Delhi Pradesh Congress Committee chief Ajay Maken, denied vociferously by the party, has raised speculation that Congress could seek an alliance with the ruling Aam Aadmi Party in the national Capital.

Reportedly, Maken is very much anti-aam Aadmi Party and himself always avoided any alliance with it.

Sources in AAP said that if a new person in Delhi Congress becomes the chief, he or she might reach out to AAP.

Maken earlier served as a Union Minister and is considered one of the biggest obstructions to an Aap-congress coalition.

The AAP’S basic demand has always been that the Congress must approach them to form an alliance, but Maken was very strict in his decision to not opt for any kind of alliance with the party.

Sources in AAP said that at the ground level, there is a sentiment of togetherness in Congress with AAP. Reportedly, the top brass of the Congress too is interested in an alliance with the party.

Other Opposition parties like Trinamool Congress, Samajwadi Party and Bahujan Samaj Party are also reportedly in favour of an alliance with AAP.

Meanwhile, AAP sources claimed that if the next Delhi Congress chief wants any kind of discussion with AAP regarding an alliance, then AAP will be open to any kind of discussion. The discussions must not only be limited to Delhi, but must also include Punjab.

The Congress, however, had issued a clarification, saying that Delhi Congress chief Ajay Maken has not resigned but is on a week-long medical leave.

Earlier, there were reports that he had handed over his resignation as the state party unit chief, citing health reasons.

Congress leader PC Chacko clarified in a tweet that Maken is on a week-long medical leave and will probably be back next week. Reports also suggested that Ajay Maken had written to Congress president Rahul Gandhi that he is unwell.