Two Aam Aadmi Party leaders on Wednesday pitched for Arvind Kejriwal as the prime ministerial candidate for the opposition INDIA bloc, saying as Delhi chief minister he has given a model that the whole country can benefit from. Hours later, Delhi Cabinet Minister Atishi clarified that Kejriwal does not have aspirations for the prime minister’s post.

The comments came a day ahead of the INDIA alliance’s meeting in Mumbai, during which opposition leaders are expected to chalk out a campaign strategy to take on the BJP-led NDA in the 2024 Lok Sabha elections. The AAP’s chief national spokesperson Priyanka Kakkar said, “As a spokesperson, I would propose our national convener Arvind Kejriwal’s name.” She said Kejriwal has constantly raised the issues of the people and “has given a model” which has led to the least inflation in Delhi. “He has given a model that benefits the people. I would want it to happen but the decision is not in my hands,” she said. The party’s Delhi convener and Environment Minister Gopal Rai said “Every party wants their leader to become prime minister. AAP members also want their national convener to become PM. All members of the INDIA alliance will sit down and whatever the decision is, we will go accordingly.” He added, “There is nothing like giving a name. We are already its part and Arvind Kejriwal is a part of the bloc.”