‘Why Are We Gloating Over AAP Victory, We Are Decimated’: Congress Leader Questions Chidambaram

Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) who trumped the rivals by scripting a spectacular victory in Delhi Assembly Elections has created a rift within the Congress. The grand old party failed to open its account for the second consecutive time in the national capital. Congress' performance in the Delhi Assembly elections touched a record low with the party bagging less than 5 per cent votes and 63 of its candidates losing their deposits.

Former finance minister and senior Congress leader P Chidambaram, who posted a tweet congratulating the people of Delhi for defeating the BJP, was questioned by his own party spokesperson, Sharmistha Mukherjee.

Here’s what happened:

Chidambaram Tweets:

"AAP won, bluff and bluster lost. The people of Delhi, who are from all parts of India, have defeated the polarising, divisive and dangerous agenda of the BJP. I salute the people of Delhi who have set an example to other states that will hold their elections in 2021 and 2022.”

To this, Sharmistha Mukherjee replied:

"With due respect sir, just want to know- has (Congress) outsourced the task of defeating BJP to state parties? If not, then why are we gloating over AAP victory rather than being concerned about our drubbing? And if 'yes', then we (state Congress units) might as well close shop!"

"We are again decimated in Delhi. Enough of introspection, time for action now. Inordinate delay in decision-making at the top, lack of strategy and unity at state level, demotivated workers, no grassroots connect -all are factors. Being part of the system, I too take my share of responsibility," Sharmistha Mukherjee said.

"BJP playing divisive politics, Kejriwal playing 'smart politics' and what are we doing? Can we honestly say that we've done all 2 put our house in order? We are busy capturing Congress whereas other parties are capturing India. If we are to survive, time to come out of exalted echo chambers!" she added.