Kejriwal Draws Battle Lines: AAP Alone Opposes BJP, Congress Just Pretends

Fresh from a political win that bolstered the Aam Aadmi Party’s (AAP) morale and relevance, Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal has once again staked a bold claim in the shifting sands of Indian opposition politics. Declaring that AAP is the only true challenger to the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP), Kejriwal drew a sharp line between his party and the Indian National Congress, branding the latter as “puppets” of the BJP. The statement, explosive as it may be, encapsulates not only the simmering rivalry between opposition parties but also reveals a deeper contest for the leadership of the anti-BJP bloc ahead of key state and national elections.

The Spark Behind the Statement

Kejriwal’s remarks came in the wake of an electoral or judicial reprieve—depending on the context in which the statement was made—but the political undertone was unmistakable. For AAP, which has been facing increasing pressure from both the BJP and sections of the Congress, the moment offered a chance to reassert itself not just as a regional party governing Delhi and Punjab, but as a national force capable of standing up to the BJP machine.

Standing on a symbolic high ground, Kejriwal did not mince his words. In a press briefing that felt part-victory speech and part-political manifesto, he said, “We are the only ones truly fighting the BJP. The Congress has surrendered. They have become the BJP’s B team. They only pretend to oppose while quietly playing into their hands.”

A Growing Rift in the Opposition

While opposition unity has often been spoken about—especially in the context of forming a united front against the BJP in the Lok Sabha elections—the reality on the ground is far more fragmented. Kejriwal’s attack highlights the growing mistrust among opposition parties. Though AAP was once seen as an ideologically neutral platform, willing to work with like-minded parties for national causes, Kejriwal’s increasing criticisms of the Congress have created more rifts than bridges.

The AAP-Congress relationship has been strained for years, especially in Delhi, where they are direct competitors. Although they have shared stages in anti-BJP rallies and discussions, alliance talks have often broken down over seat-sharing disagreements and ideological differences. Kejriwal’s statement is not just a jab—it’s a clear indication that AAP sees the Congress as an impediment to genuine anti-BJP resistance.

Congress Responds

The Congress, which is already struggling with leadership issues, internal conflicts, and a shrinking footprint in key states, was quick to respond. Senior Congress leaders dismissed Kejriwal’s remarks as political opportunism and accused him of weakening the larger fight against the BJP. A Delhi Congress leader commented, “Kejriwal should remember that it was the Congress that gave India its democratic institutions. Instead of attacking the BJP, he chooses to attack the Congress. It only benefits the ruling party.”

The Congress has often been criticized for its ambiguous and sometimes soft stand against the BJP, especially on contentious issues like Article 370, the Citizenship Amendment Act (CAA), and economic policy. However, it still retains a core voter base and presence in states like Rajasthan, Karnataka, and Chhattisgarh. For AAP, which has so far failed to make serious inroads in these states, the Congress remains both a competitor and a threat to its ambition of becoming the default national opposition.

Why Kejriwal Said What He Said

Kejriwal’s statement is not just emotional—it’s strategic. As AAP eyes expansion in Gujarat, Haryana, Rajasthan, and Maharashtra, the party is positioning itself as an alternative to both the BJP and the Congress. By claiming to be the “only true opponent” of the BJP, Kejriwal hopes to capture the imagination of voters disillusioned with both major parties.

There is also the personal element. Kejriwal, once known for his activist credentials, has long been accused by the Congress of playing a “soft-Hindutva” card, avoiding strong stances on issues like CAA protests and communal violence. With this statement, Kejriwal seeks to regain the image of a fearless anti-establishment leader who doesn’t shy away from taking on the big guns.

Messaging to the Voter Base

Kejriwal’s statement is also intended for the voter—particularly the urban, middle-class, and youth demographics that AAP targets. By distinguishing AAP from both the BJP and the Congress, the party presents itself as a cleaner, more efficient, and more honest political option. With governance as its central plank, particularly in education, healthcare, and electricity reforms, AAP wants to push the narrative that it delivers results while the Congress indulges in legacy politics and the BJP in polarisation.

The messaging is crisp and clear: If you want real change, vote AAP. If you want theatrics or compromise, vote for the others.

Implications for 2024 and Beyond

Kejriwal’s statement also has implications for the broader national political alignment in the run-up to the 2024 general elections and beyond. If AAP continues to distance itself from the Congress, the likelihood of a fragmented opposition contest increases, which could ultimately benefit the BJP.

The BJP has consistently won elections by capitalizing on divisions within the opposition, whether in Uttar Pradesh, Maharashtra, or Delhi. A divided anti-BJP front reduces vote consolidation and leads to multi-cornered contests, where the ruling party’s core base gives it an edge.

That said, Kejriwal may be betting on a long game—one where AAP slowly replaces the Congress as the principal national opposition party. Whether this is achievable remains to be seen, but the intent is clear.

Risky Politics?

While bold, Kejriwal’s strategy is not without risk. By isolating the Congress, AAP could alienate potential allies in regional parties that still view the Congress as a pillar of secular and democratic unity. Also, if AAP underperforms in upcoming state elections, this aggressive posturing could backfire, making Kejriwal appear arrogant or overambitious.

Moreover, the BJP could exploit the AAP-Congress rift by portraying the opposition as divided and leaderless—a message that resonates strongly in a country that values strong, stable leadership.

In many ways, Arvind Kejriwal’s recent declaration marks a new chapter in Indian opposition politics. By taking a definitive stand and openly attacking the Congress, he has staked a claim to national leadership within the anti-BJP camp. Whether this is a turning point or a miscalculation will depend on how voters respond in the months ahead.

For now, Kejriwal’s words have made one thing clear: AAP is not just aiming to be another opposition party—it wants to lead the charge. And it’s willing to step on old toes to do so.