'Tie-up unlikely' as Congress, AAP talks hit deadlock in Haryana

NEW DELHI: Talks between Congress and AAP over an alliance in Haryana have hit a deadlock on the number and nature of constituencies to be ceded to Arvind Kejriwal's outfit, with insiders dubbing prospects of a tie-up as unlikely.

Sources in AAP, which always looked keener for the unexpected partnership and had remained hopeful of swinging it, sounded pessimistic about the possibility of an alliance and said the party was preparing to fight on 50 seats.

Asked by mediapersons about the fate of the negotiations, AAP's Rajya Sabha MP Raghav Chadha said, "We are still talking and we are hopeful that an alliance will happen for the good of the country and Haryana. All possible efforts are being made in that direction."

AAP sources, however, admitted that talks had hit a deadlock because of Congress's reluctance to leave 10 seats and the party was readying its list for 50 seats and may announce the candidates on Sunday. Congress sources confirmed that it was unwilling to leave more than 3-4 seats for AAP.

The key concern in Congress is the cost if the alliance fails to work in the northern state. Sources said the seats that AAP has sought are such that "transfer of votes" between the allies may be difficult. In the process, BJP would be the beneficiary.