Akhilesh Yadav Affirms INDIA Alliance Unity Amid Criticism by Omar Abdullah

New Delhi, 13th January 2025: Days after Jammu and Kashmir Chief Minister Omar Abdullah criticized the INDIA alliance’s functioning, Samajwadi Party chief Akhilesh Yadav affirmed on Sunday that the alliance remains united.

Speaking about his party’s support for the AAP in the Delhi elections, Yadav explained that the move aligns with the alliance’s strategy to back strong regional players against the BJP. Similarly, the TMC has also extended its support to the AAP, while Congress has decided to contest the Delhi elections independently.

During a press conference at the Samajwadi Party headquarters in Lucknow, Yadav stated, “The INDIA alliance is intact.” Addressing concerns about differing statements from alliance leaders regarding Congress’s role, he remarked, “The Samajwadi Party continues on its path to strengthen the INDIA alliance. Only a regional party that is already fighting the BJP should take the lead against it.” Without directly naming AAP, he added, “Other parties should show solidarity with that regional party.”

These comments follow Omar Abdullah’s criticism of the INDIA alliance, where he expressed dissatisfaction over its unclear leadership and agenda. He suggested that the alliance should dissolve if its purpose was limited to parliamentary elections.

Controversy arose after Congress and AAP announced their decision to contest the Delhi elections independently. RJD leader Tejashwi Yadav reportedly commented in Buxar that it wasn’t unusual for Congress and AAP to compete separately in Delhi, as their cooperation was primarily for the Lok Sabha elections.

Akhilesh Katiyar, a Delhi-based spokesperson for the Samajwadi Party, reiterated support for AAP, citing Akhilesh Yadav’s rationale. He highlighted AAP’s performance over the past decade as a key factor, stating, “AAP has shown itself to be effective in countering the BJP. With a robust organizational structure, AAP connects well with the public. SP believes that AAP can stop the BJP in Delhi.”

The Shiv Sena (UBT) echoed similar sentiments, asserting that AAP is better positioned than Congress to take on the BJP.

In December, amid growing tensions within the INDIA alliance, TMC chief Mamata Banerjee sparked discussions by expressing her willingness to lead the bloc. Speaking in an interview, she stated, “If they can’t manage the alliance, I can. If given the chance, I would ensure its smooth functioning, even from Bengal.”

NCP (Sharad Pawar faction) leader Sharad Pawar seemed to support her leadership aspirations, saying, “Mamata Banerjee is a capable leader and fully entitled to express her views. The MPs she has sent to Parliament are diligent and capable.” However, the Bengal Congress dismissed these developments as part of a “BJP conspiracy.”