Will Arvinder Singh Lovely's return to BJP hurt AAP-Congress prospects in Delhi's Lok Sabha polls?

Arvinder Singh Lovely, former Delhi Congress president, along with ex-minister Raj Kumar Chauhan and former MLAs Neeraj Basoya and Naseeb Singh, switched allegiance to the BJP. They criticized the Congress-AAP alliance for the Lok Sabha polls and praised BJP leadership, particularly PM Modi, for providing them a new political home. This move follows Lovely's recent resignation from Delhi Congress presidency, citing dissatisfaction with the AAP alliance and candidate choices for the Lok Sabha polls.

This marks Lovely's second stint with BJP after tenure of less than a year during 2017-2018. Last year, he assumed Delhi Congress presidency, succeeding Chaudhary Anil Kumar. He previously held the post in 2013 but resigned after the party's dismal performance in the 2015 assembly polls.

Read More: Arvinder Singh Lovely Rejoins BJP


Earlier, Lovely had said that his resignation reflects discontent among Congress workers over the party's compromise of its principles. He expressed opposition to the AAP alliance, citing objections to candidates and decisions imposed by AICC general secretary Deepak Babaria. Despite personal opposition, he said that he supported the alliance publicly, aligning with the party's directive.

He criticized AAP's governance and North East Delhi candidate Kanhaiya Kumar's praise of Delhi chief minister Arvind Kejriwal. AAP refrained from direct comments on Lovely's move, while Saurabh Bharadwaj acknowledged it as an internal matter for Congress. Lovely's departure raises questions about Congress's internal cohesion ahead of Lok Sabha polls and strategic alliances, particularly in the context of the ongoing Lok Sabha elections.

Will Arvinder Singh Lovely's departure hurt AAP-Congress?

Congress has entered into an alliance with AAP for Delhi Lok Sabha polls. AAP is fighting for four seats: East, New Delhi, South, and West, while Congress is contesting the remaining three—North East, North West, and Chandni Chowk. Delhi's seven Lok Sabha seats will go to the polls on May 25 in the sixth phase.

On the other hand, Arvinder Singh Lovely's departure from the role of state Congress president has offered a glimmer of hope to some AAP leaders. .Senior party members are optimistic about revitalizing the alliance with the establishment of a new coordination committee, TOI had earlier reported. According to party insiders cited by TOI, under Lovely's leadership, there was a sense of stagnation characterized by a dearth of collaborative meetings and campaigns. Nonetheless, with interim Delhi Congress chief Devender Yadav now leading the charge, the alliance is anticipated to pick up pace.

Arvinder Singh Lovely was first elected as one of the youngest MLAs in 1998 from Gandhi Nagar constituency in east Delhi. He had held several portfolios under the Sheila Dikshit government between 2008 and 2013. He was elected to Delhi assembly four times - 1998, 2003, 2008 and 2013.