PANAJI: Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) National Convenor Arvind Kejriwal on Friday said the party’s alliance committee in Goa was holding discussions with like-minded parties, while AAP MLA Captain Venzy Viegas questioned why Congress leader Rahul Gandhi had not made any statement on a possible Opposition alliance in the state.
During a press conference in Goa, Kejriwal was asked whether his remarks urging people not to vote for Congress indicated that AAP was against an alliance with the party.
“Do they want it?” Kejriwal asked.
He said AAP had already constituted a committee to explore possibilities with other parties.
“We have a three-member committee consisting of AAP Goa President Valmiki Naik, State Working President Gerson Gomes, and State Organisation Secretary Prashant Naik. They talk to all like-minded parties,” Kejriwal said.
When asked if his comments against Congress could impact alliance prospects, Kejriwal said, “As if their statements are very nice and healthy! They sit and abuse us daily.”
Clarifying AAP’s position, Kejriwal said no final decision had been taken on an alliance.
“No, when did I say that? Our committee is talking to all like-minded parties,” he said.
Responding to a question on whom people should vote for to defeat the BJP and Congress, Kejriwal said, “They should vote for the Aam Aadmi Party. But they should vote for whichever alliance the Aam Aadmi Party is part of.”
AAP MLA Venzy Viegas said the party wanted a united Opposition to defeat the BJP but questioned the lack of response from Congress’ central leadership.
“Today, you have Arvind Kejriwal, who is our National Convenor, speaking on this. Why is this answer not coming from Rahul Gandhi? Why doesn’t Rahul Gandhi give a statement?” Viegas asked.
He said AAP’s Goa leadership had already expressed willingness to work with other parties.
“Our state leadership, including our State President, is already aligned. Our National Convener is here, and the state leadership has a strong voice,” he said.
Viegas said Congress’ past record of defections remained a concern among Goans.
“Congress has defected several times; that is the truth. The people of Goa know that,” he said.
However, he said defeating the BJP remained the priority.
“Today, BJP is the bigger devil, and to defeat BJP, the smaller devil is Congress,” Viegas said.
Viegas said AAP had stayed in the Opposition for over four years to build credibility among voters.
“We have stayed here for four and a half years and have not jumped to the BJP. We are here with a long-term vision,” he said.
While criticising Congress’ past actions, he said AAP was willing to work with it.
“We cannot say Congress is saintly. Congress’ behaviour towards Goa in the past cannot be dismissed. But we are ready to hold their hands to defeat the BJP,” he said.
Viegas added, “We want an alliance with the good, the bad and the ugly to defeat the BJP.”
He said a combined Opposition effort was necessary to prevent the BJP from securing another electoral victory.
“You have to prevent them from making this hat-trick, and this hat-trick can only be avoided if there is a combined alliance,” Viegas said.
