Daijiworld Media Network – New Delhi

New Delhi, Jan 13: Congress leader Sachin Pilot on Monday emphasized the unity of the INDIA alliance, despite reports of discord within the bloc following the Congress and Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) decision to contest against each other in the upcoming Delhi assembly elections.

Speaking to reporters, Pilot stated that while the opposition alliance remains robust, the approach to certain state elections may vary. "Every party contests an election to win. Yesterday, I held a press conference in Delhi where I outlined Congress' guarantees and roadmap. It's now up to the people of Delhi to decide," he said.

Pilot highlighted the legacy of former Delhi chief minister Sheila Dikshit as a cornerstone of the Congress campaign. "Delhi has seen the BJP and AAP govern over the years. Our request to voters is based on the proven track record of Sheila Dikshit’s administration. I reiterate that the INDIA alliance is strong, but we will adopt different strategies for some state elections," he added.

Pilot’s remarks come amidst ongoing speculation about fractures within the opposition coalition. On Sunday, Samajwadi Party chief Akhilesh Yadav dismissed rumors of internal conflicts, reaffirming the bloc’s unity. Yadav also emphasized his party's commitment to supporting regional parties fighting the BJP in their respective regions, aligning with the alliance’s broader objective.

However, dissatisfaction among some regional parties has been evident. The alliance has faced criticism over its leadership and strategy, particularly after lackluster performances in Haryana and Maharashtra elections. Trinamool Congress chief and West Bengal chief minister Mamata Banerjee has suggested she could lead the alliance from Bengal, should the need arise.

Despite these challenges, the Congress, currently at the helm of the alliance, continues to project confidence in the INDIA bloc's mission to challenge the BJP on a national scale while allowing room for strategic differences in regional contexts.