Talks on with AAP for alliance in Haryana, says Congress; latter says final decision after Kejriwal's consultation

NEW DELHI: The Congress on Tuesday said that the grand old party was exploring an alliance with the Aam Aadmi Party for the upcoming Haryana assembly elections. The latter responded to this saying that any decision regarding the tie-up would be taken only after the jailed Delhi chief minister Arvind Kejriwal's consultation.

"We are in talks with the Aam Aadmi Party, but nothing has been finalised yet. As soon as something is finalised, we will inform you," AICC general secretary in-charge of state Deepak Babaria said.

"Any final decision in this regard will be taken by our leaders associated with organisational and election related works in Haryana, after approval of Kejriwal," AAP leader Sanjay Singh said.

Delhi education minister Atishi reiterated Singh's comments saying, "Rahul Gandhi has sought opinion from Congress leaders and only they can answer. We have got to know about it from media. As far as alliance goes, the decision will be taken after Arvind Kejriwal comes out."

When asked whether the Congress will field Vinesh Phogat in the upcoming Haryana elections, Babaria responded, "You will get clarity by tomorrow."

Reports suggest that during a meeting of Congress' Central Election Committee (CEC) on Monday, Rahul expressed interest in exploring the possibility of an alliance with the AAP for the upcoming assembly polls.

Assembly elections on 90 seats in Haryana is scheduled to be held on October 5. The counting of votes will be held on October 8.

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