INDI bloc leaders convened at the Loktantr Bachaao Rally held at Ramleela ground in New Delhi on Sunday, March 31, 2024. Express photo by Abhinav Saha.

“In times of crisis, it’s imperative to set aside our political differences and unite for the greater good of our country, democracy, and Constitution,” remarked Raj Kumar Solanki, a 70-year-old former Railways officer, among the earliest attendees at Ramlila Maidan for the INDIA bloc rally.

Solanki’s sentiments resonated with numerous others present at the event.

C V Sharma, a property dealer from Vikaspuri, who arrived with over two dozen locals, stated, “AAP’s failure to uphold its commitments is well-known. However, today, we must stand together to safeguard our nation from the BJP. The current situation is concerning, with the arrest of a sitting Chief Minister. Who knows who could be next?”

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A lifelong Congress supporter, Solanki emphasized, “While I’ve never been fond of AAP, today we aren’t here as supporters of any single party. We stand united as Indians.”

Bahadur Singh Nath from Kondli constituency expressed, “As a humble individual, I’m not well-versed in politics… If both Congress and AAP join hands to govern Delhi, it would be beneficial for us…”

Mahavir Singh Nath, a Yamuna Vihar resident, pledged his vote to the alliance, hoping that the two parties would prioritize public welfare over political differences.

Opinions regarding the AAP-Congress alliance were varied. Sanjay Talwar, a Congress worker, admitted dissatisfaction with the partnership but felt compelled to follow “orders from seniors.”

Praveen Kumar, an electrician and AAP supporter from Sadar Bazar, criticized Congress for historical corruption but hoped the alliance would govern more effectively than the BJP.

A group of women from the Lohar community expressed their desire to prevent a BJP resurgence. One remarked, “We hope the AAP-Congress alliance remains intact even after the elections.”

Satyadeep Mishra, a social worker, reflected on the unconventional alliance, stating, “While the AAP-Congress partnership seems odd given AAP’s lack of ideology, it might still be preferable to President’s rule.”

The AAP and Congress will contest the upcoming Lok Sabha polls in alliance under the INDIA bloc banner. AAP will contest from four Delhi seats – South, West, East, and New Delhi – while Congress will vie for Northeast and Northwest Delhi, along with Chandni Chowk.