After a series of meetings with Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) national president Amit Shah, Delhi BJP on Sunday released its first list of 160 candidates for the upcoming municipal corporation elections 2017. The first list contains prominent names such as Shikha Rai, Parvesh Sharma and Santosh Pal. This is the first time after 1995 that BJP is contesting from the Chandni Chowk. Party has given ticket to Ravi Kaptan, the son of former BJP MlA from Chandni Chowk seatr Vasudev Kaptan.
The party has fielded Muslim candidates Kuwar Rafi from Zakir Nagar Sabra Malik from Mustafabad and Famudin Saifi from Delhi Gate wards.
BJP has also announced that it will be contesting the civic polls in an electoral alliance with Shiromani Akali Dal (Badal). Akali Dal is contesting on five seats while Paharganj ward has gone to lJP candidate. Akali Dal candidates will be fighting on the lotus symbol of the BJP.
Delhi BJP declared 58 candidates for the South Delhi Municipal Corporation, 67 candidates for the North Delhi Municipal Corporation and 35 candidates for the East Delhi Municipal Corporation.
BJP’s list was announced a bit late as the Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) has declared its candidates for the 272 wards well in advance. Congress was not far behind as its candidates were declared on Saturday itself.
The civic polls in three municipal corporations pose a tough challenge for the BJP which has been ruling civic bodies for last 15 years. In its bid to ward off the anti-incumbency factor, the saffron party decided not to field the sitting councilors. BJP had won 153 wards in the 2012 municipal elections.
BJP president Amit Shah addressed “Panch Parmeshwar Sammelan” at Ramleela Grounds on March 25. The party decided to deploy at least five party volunteers per election booth to mobilise voters on the voting day.
BJP is not leaving any stone unturned to win the three corporations. Delhi BJP has released its theme song “BJP Dilli me” sung by Delhi BJP President and actor turned politician Manoj Tiwari. leaders claim the song has received warm response from the people. Party leaders are wooing Poorvanchali voters and a battery of star campaigners have been lined up.
Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Aditya Nath Yogi and Chief Ministers of BJP ruled States alonwgith 13 Union Ministers will lead the high-voltage poll campaign in the nation Capital.