Alliance Talks In Haryana, Defection In Delhi: AAP MLA Rajendra Pal Gautam Joins Congress – News18

Amid alliance talks for the upcoming Haryana Assembly polls, the Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) suffered a massive setback in Delhi as its sitting MLA and former minister Rajendra Pal Gautam joined the Congress on Friday, September 6.

Gautam joined the Congress in the presence of the party’s general secretary KC Venugopal, the party’s Delhi chief Devender Yadav and party leader Pawan Khera.

The development stands significant for the Delhi Assembly election as well, scheduled next year, as both the parties are expected to hold alliance talks after Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal walks out of jail, AAP leader Manish Sisodia earlier said.

Taking to X, Gautam posted, “I am resigning from all positions and membership of the Aam Aadmi Party to further advance the struggle for social justice and ensure the participation and representation of the Bahujan community in all sectors.”

Congress-AAP Alliance Talks For Haryana Polls

The negotiation talks for a pre-poll alliance for the Haryana Assembly Election 2024 between the Congress and Arvind Kejriwal’s party have reportedly begun, according to sources.

AAP MP Raghav Chadha on Thursday night met with Congress Haryana in-charge Deepak Babaria after both parties decided to jointly contest the upcoming Haryana Assembly polls, scheduled on October 5.

Who is Rajendra Pal Gautam?

AAP MLA Rajendra Pal Gautam, who joined the Congress today, represents the Seemapuri constituency and has served as a minister in the Delhi government.

He began distancing himself from the party roots after he was removed from the ministerial position following a huge backlash over his controversial remark against Hindu deities.

After Gautam’s removal, Rajkumar Anand was appointed as the new Social Welfare minister in his place, but both leaders have since parted ways with AAP.