Turbulence in Cong over support to AAP

Janardan Dwivedi, Sandeep Dikshit, Jairam Ramesh are among those who have questioned the decision to extend support to AAP

With the Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) set to form the government in Delhi, the Congress, which has extended support to the fledgling party, appears to be speaking in two voices now. A section of the Congress has questioned the decision of the party, which had written to the Lt Governor of Delhi declaring its support though it was not sought by the AAP.

First it was Congress General Secretary Janardan Dwivedi, then party MP Sandeep Dikshit and now Jairam Ramesh. As AAP reiterated that it would probe scams during Sheila Dikshit's tenure, Delhi Congress chief Arvinder Singh Lovely warned they would not keep mum if AAP resorts to political witch-hunting.

A Congress leader confided that what appeared to have angered several leaders was the manner in which the decision to support AAP was taken - without taking the views of all concerned.

"The decision was taken by the general secretary (Shakeel Ahmed) in charge of Delhi after talking to a handful of 5-10 people and the PCC chief and Congress Legislature Party leader," he said.

Former chief minister Sheila Dikshit's views were not taken and she was merely informed about the decision. Dikhsit is staunchly opposed the party's decision. On Tuesday, Janardan Dwivedi shocked many when he went on record to state that several people within the party do not agree with the decision. Dwivedi is a Congressman whose voice carries weight. He said, "There is also an opinion that perhaps the decision to support AAP in this manner was not correct. Some people feel this."

Sandeep Dikshit, speaking to Business Standard, said, "Let me clarify, our support is not to the Aam Aadmi Party. It's for their manifesto; we want see how they will fulfil the promises they had made." Sandeep has even set a deadline of three months for AAP to deliver on promises.

However, both Sandeep and Lovely confirmed there was no change in the Congress' stand of backing AAP in government formation.

Environment Minister Jairam Ramesh, on Wednesday, spoke about the need for a "common minimum programme" if the "alliance" between the two parties has to be a workable one.

Another Congress leader admitted that when Shakeel Ahmed and former PCC chief had shot off that letter to the Lt Governor, they had not taken into account the feelings of Congress workers. "They feel cheated. After all, it was AAP which has been using uncivil language and still we are extending support to them."

Lovely said, "We will definitely raise our voice if any party tries to settle political score with us or does something (in this direction)." Congress leaders are wary of AAP leveling corruption allegations against them.

A Congress insider said the "real test" for AAP would be the election of the Speaker of the House. "We have not had any understanding with the AAP on that; we are not bound to support their choice. The person could be of our choice also."