BJP braces for fresh Delhi polls next year,unlikely to take a shot at govt formation

According to them,the party stood a good chance at government formation if the re-elections were held along with the general elections,in which they hope to ride the Modi wave.

At its first meeting,held at the 14 Pant Marg office of the state unit,after the election results were declared,Harsh Vardhan was elected leader of the BJP legislative party.

Apart from the newly elected MLAs,Delhi election in charge Nitin Gadkari,state BJP chief Vijay Goel and all candidates who contested the elections attended the meeting.

Being the single-largest party,which has the support of 32 MLAs in the 70-member Assembly,the BJP could be invited by the Lieutenant-Governor to have a shot at government formation. But sources said senior leaders told the newly elected MLAs at the meeting to brace for fresh elections.

Candidates were told to prepare for a two-way contest with the AAP,with the BJP ruling out the prospects of the Congress if re-elections are held. Candidates who lost in the polls were also told to start preparing for fresh elections,indicating that several of them are likely to be renominated in case of a re-poll.

It is understood that some newly elected MLAs were in favour of taking a shot at government formation. However,such suggestions were rejected by senior leaders,who were of the view it could harm the party’s prospects in the long run.

Meanwhile,a blame game has erupted in the party over the issue of distribution of tickets. Various factions are blaming one another,saying if tickets had been given to deserving candidates,the party could have secured a majority on its own and not fallen short of the mark.