Why AAP is blaming Congress over CJP protest?

New Delhi: A fresh political tussle has erupted within the Opposition over the ongoing CJP-led protest in the national capital, with the Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) accusing the Congress of attempting to "hijack" the movement for political gains.

The latest flashpoint came after Congress leader Rahul Gandhi joined the protest and held a sit-in near the Prime Minister's residence. Soon after, Union Minister Jitendra Singh visited the protest site to engage with the demonstrators.

The developments prompted sharp criticism from AAP leaders, who alleged that the Congress was trying to appropriate a movement that had been led independently by the CJP.

AAP leader Atishi described the Congress' outreach as a "jugalbandi" between the BJP and the Congress, suggesting that the ruling party had allowed Congress leaders unusual access to the high-security protest zone. According to AAP, this gave the impression that the Congress was being given political space to project itself as the face of the agitation.

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Senior AAP leader Sanjay Singh also questioned Rahul Gandhi's decision to join the protest, arguing that such political intervention weakened the credibility of the movement rather than strengthening it. The party maintained that the Congress was attempting to shift the focus away from the protesters' demands and towards its own political narrative.

AAP Sees Congress as Trying to Claim Credit

AAP leaders argue that they have supported the CJP agitation from its early stages, long before the Congress publicly backed the protesters. They claim the Congress only stepped in after the issue gained national attention and public support.

According to AAP, the Congress' participation now appears aimed at positioning itself as the principal Opposition voice on the issue. The party believes this undermines the original movement and sidelines those who have been associated with it from the beginning.

Congress' Internal Dilemma

Interestingly, Congress itself appeared cautious about associating too closely with the CJP protest. Party sources indicated that during a recent Congress Parliamentary Party meeting, MPs were advised against visiting the protest site, amid concerns that doing so could lend greater political legitimacy to the CJP.

However, the subsequent of MPs and representatives of Congress party visit marked a shift in strategy, with senior Congress leaders joining the demonstration as the protest gathered momentum.

AAP has interpreted this change as an attempt by the Congress to take over the political narrative surrounding the agitation.

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Old Rivalry Resurfaces

The latest confrontation also reflects the long-standing rivalry between AAP and the Congress.

Political observers point out that the two parties have remained competitors ever since the India Against Corruption movement gave birth to AAP. The party went on to replace the Congress as the dominant political force in Delhi and later emerged as a major challenger in Punjab.

Given that history, AAP leaders have been quick to resist any attempt by the Congress to emerge as the political face of a movement they believe they have consistently supported.

Opposition Divisions on Display

The public exchange has exposed visible cracks within the Opposition at a time when parties are attempting to project unity against the BJP.

While Congress has sought to amplify the protesters' demands through high-profile political participation, AAP insists that political parties should not overshadow the movement or use it for electoral positioning.

The disagreement has fueled criticism that Opposition parties are competing for political credit rather than presenting a united front on issues raised by the protesters.

As the protest continues under heavy security deployment, the political battle over who represents the movement appears to have become almost as significant as the protest itself.

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