BJP’s strategy to deploy observers, RSS cadres and party MPs to boost the morale of its workers and expand the support base in the bitterly-contested Delhi Assembly elections is proving to be counterproductive.
With barely five days left for the polls, candidates are required to concentrate on electioneering. However, all 70 BJP candidates are apparently so preoccupied in ensuring best hospitality to the observers and RSS cadres that they are unable to concentrate on campaigning.
Notably, for each Assembly seat in Delhi, the Central leadership had deployed one parliamentarian as a full-time observer. Besides, around five odd RSS observers are also doing the rounds.
The BJP has fielded 150 MPs, Union Ministers and Chief Ministers of other States to bolster the support for all the 70 candidates. These senior leaders could be seen canvassing for the BJP candidates but they are also posing hordes of issues before those in the poll fray.
Sources say that a considerable amount is being spent to meet the demands of those who are supposedly sent to boost the winnability of the candidates. “There is so much at stake this time. As the poll battle is getting tougher with every passing day, candidates are faced with a unique dilemma,” said an insider.
A supporter of a candidate from Outer Delhi Assembly seat lamented the fact that the VVIP campaigners are gnawing at the resources of their candidate and they are losing a considerable amount of time and manpower, for which they cannot even lodge a complaint.
They all ask for quality food from five-star hotels and SUVs to travel and that is proving to be tough. “Party candidates cannot afford to annoy these observers. So they go all out to appease them and provide all the facilities demanded by them,” said a BJP worker on condition of anonymity.