AAP will not ally with Cong in 2019, says Gopal Rai

New Delhi: Delhi Cabinet minister Gopal Rai, on Monday, ruled out any possibility of the Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) entering into an alliance with Congress in the upcoming Lok Sabha elections in 2019.

He further said his party aims to end BJP’s dictatorship, which serves as an obstruction in Delhi government’s development work and has also made the national capital suffer.

“There is no ‘Mahagath-bandhan’ (grand alliance) before the elections. There will be one post elections and being its part or not will depend totally on the situation. Our aim is very clear; we want the Modi government to go. We will do all we can to remove the BJP government,” he said.

“We want an end to the dictatorship of the BJP. It has destroyed Delhi. Not helping us in our work is one thing. But they have created hurdles in our work. So, the favourable thing for Delhi will be that BJP should go,” he added.

AAP is also laying its focus on Delhi University Students’ Union (DUSU) polls scheduled to be held on September 12. Towards this end, its Chhatra Yuva Sangharsh Samiti (CYSS) student’s wing has joined hands with the left-wing, All India Students’ Association (AISA).

Gopal Rai, who had begun his career with the AISA, said: “AISA is a common students’ platform and it too fights against the hooliganism of ABVP. They harass not only students but teachers as well.” “Our government has changed the face of school education in the city. A good atmosphere at university and colleges will have an impact on the city’s atmosphere. We have ensured good education and environment of study for students till Class 12. However, when they go to university, they get a negative environment. People also want a positive change in Delhi University,” he added.

The accusations on caste followed the resignation of Ashutosh from the party, who was one of the founding members and alleged that the party had forcefully used his surname.

“The party has not accepted the resignations of Ashutosh and Ashish Khetan (another of the old guard),” Mr Rai said, adding that the party cannot do anything if they want to move on.

He also said the party will welcome them if they change their minds and come back.