As brainstorming continues within the BJP over its Chief Ministerial candidate, government formation remains uncertain in the national Capital. Even as the names of senior leader Jagdish Mukhi and MlA Rambir Singh Bidhuri are doing the rounds, former Delhi BJP president and Rajya Sabha MP Vijay Goel, too, has emerged as a contender for the top post. Sources said despite making it clear that the BJP would not indulge in any malpractice to form the Government, the party is not averse to outside support by the AAP MlAs. The same was asserted by senior BJP leader Nitin Gadkari on Wednesday who said the BJP would not indulge in ‘manipulation’ to form the Government in the national Capital.
Sources said Goel, who was denied the chief ministerial candidature during the 2013 Assembly Polls, may make a comeback in the Delhi politics. Goel is reported to have met top BJP leaders including president Rajnath Singh and general secretary Amit Shah in this regard. His appearance on the forefront is on an expected lines after the incumbent Delhi BJP president and its CM candidate Dr Harsh Vardhan was elevated to the Union Cabinet as the Health Minister. Vardhan has also resigned from the Delhi legislative Assembly following his election to the lok Sabha from Chandni Chowk constituency. Goel had spearheaded the BJP’s campaign for Assembly elections last year but he was compensated with the Rajya Sabha membership. During his stint as Delhi BJP president, Goel had vigorously raised the issue of inflated water and power bill and alleged corruption in CWG.
“The BJP is in a comfortable situation to form the government. A number of legislators from other parties have approached us offering outside support. However, a final call on government formation will only be taken after a CM candidate is selected unanimously,” said a Delhi BJP leader. However, deliberations on deciding the CM candidate will only begin after the names of the national president as well as the Delhi unit presidents are announced.
Meanwhile, Mukhi and Bidhuri have been staking claim for the CM post but, sources said, a final decision will be taken by the Parliamentary Board of the BJP. Sources said, Bidhuri has the support of some senior leaders but a majority of BJP MlAs are not keen on his candidature as he is a new-comer to the party. Comparatively Mukhi is a more acceptable face and also he is known to have cordial relations with the RSS.