Seat-Sharing Talks Collapse: AAP Releases First Candidate List for Haryana Polls

Seat-sharing negotiations between Congress and AAP for Haryana assembly elections failed. AAP released its first list of 20 candidates, with Congress having announced 41. Both parties, plus BJP, expressed confidence in winning. AAP remains a partner in INDIA bloc despite the breakdown in talks.

Seat-sharing negotiations between the Congress and Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) for the Haryana assembly polls came to an end on Monday. This development prompted AAP to release its first list of 20 candidates. Meanwhile, the Congress has already declared 41 candidates for the 90-member assembly.

Sushil Gupta, Haryana chief for AAP, mentioned that they patiently waited before releasing their list. AAP and Congress previously joined forces for the Lok Sabha elections in Haryana and Delhi. However, while Congress reportedly offered 4-5 seats, AAP insisted on at least 10.

With three days left to file nominations, leaders from both Congress and BJP voiced their confidence about winning the upcoming polls. AAP leaders, too, are optimistic about defeating BJP. Gupta emphasized AAP's commitment to the INDIA bloc at the national level.

"We are partners of the INDIA Alliance at the national level," Gupta stated. He noted their prolonged patience during the seat-sharing talks and the necessity to announce candidates as the nomination deadline nears.

"The first list is out, and a second one is coming soon. With little time left for elections, we decided to move forward. Our organization is strong in every constituency, and they urged us to contest. We've shown patience and now it's our turn. BJP will be ousted from Haryana," Gupta said. Congress leader Bhupinder Singh Hooda expressed assurance in his party's victory, stating, "Congress is coming, BJP is going in Haryana."

Union Minister and former Haryana Chief Minister Manohar Lal Khattar showed similar confidence for BJP. "Nominations have started, and we've released our first list. Based on the nominations, I'm confident that the BJP government will be re-elected in Haryana for a third term," Khattar said.

Congress, which has already declared three lists, fielded wrestler Vinesh Phogat from Julana. Congress candidate from Uchana Kalan, Brijendra Singh, shared optimism about forming the government. He highlighted that any seat-sharing decisions as part of the INDIA alliance would be made by central leadership.

BJP's candidate list includes Chief Minister Nayab Singh Saini from Ladwa and former state home minister Anil Vij from Ambala Cantt. The party has faced internal issues, with leader Aditya Chautala resigning and joining INLD, which announced him as their candidate from Dabwali.

The Haryana assembly elections are expected to feature multi-cornered contests, with AAP, INLD, JJP, BJP, and Congress all in the fray. AAP's list includes prominent candidates like Indu Sharma from Bhiwani and Bijender Hooda from Rohtak. Voting will be on October 5, and results will be counted on October 8 along with Jammu and Kashmir.

(With inputs from agencies.)