(PTI photo)

NEW DELHI: Congress and NCP on Wednesday struck down a proposal by other opposition parties to include the Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) in discussions to identify a presidential candidate. The proposal to include AAP in the discussions was moved by CPM general secretary Sitaram Yechury and Trinamool Congress chief Mamata Banerjee .

The two had proposed the same in the last meeting of the 17 opposition leaders, but it was summarily dismissed by NCP chief Sharad Pawar and Congress’ Ghulam Nabi Azad, citing objectionable conduct by some AAP members as the reason.

Sources said senior JD(U) leader Sharad Yadav also concurred that AAP members had been disrespectful of opposition leaders.

Congress members referred to AAP as an “offshoot of Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh” and “B-team” of BJP, saying the party’s conduct in Gujarat, Goa and Punjab was proof that their motive was to queer the pitch for Congress. Despite arguments over why AAP was being kept out of political discussions when other political rivals were sharing a platform for talks, NCP also conveyed its inhibitions over letting Arvind Kejriwal’s party into the opposition group.

Some opposition parties suggested that AAP was keen to win over opposition support to dodge BJP, with which it has had strained relations over governance in Delhi.



In Video: No, thanks: Congress, NCP on working with AAP for Presidential polls