With the BJP unable to form Government in Delhi for lack of external support, the ball is in the court of the second largest party — AAP — who has been offered support by the Congress. Also, the responsibility rests on the AAP whether to explore options in view of suggestions made by AAP member Prashant Bhushan and former IPS officer Kiran Bedi that the AAP and the BJP should join hands to form a stable Government in Delhi. Politicians cutting across party lines insisted that the Arvind Kejriwal-led party should take the lead in forming the Government to ensure political stability and live up to the expectations of Delhiites, who have voted for the AAP.
They said the situation is rather favourable for the AAP to form a stable dispensation as no party — the BJP or the Congress — would oppose or create hindrance for the party. Further, Kejriwal as Chief Minister of the State had the opportunity to take some firm measures to reduce the power and water tariff, which the party had promised to the people while seeking their mandate before the polls. A senior BJP leader said the 13-day Government led by Atal Bihari Vajpayee in 1996 had set the precedence that could be imitated by the debutant party to win the confidence of the electorates.
Former Delhi BJP president Vijender Gupta said despite being the largest party, the BJP has no scope for getting majority and forming a minority Government would only add to the instability. In such circumstances, it is the moral and political duty of the AAP to provide the city with a Government.
“With the Congress offering unconditional support to the AAP and Kiran Bedi and Prashant Bhushan suggesting the AAP’s tie-up with the BJP, Arvind Kejriwal should work out the formula. The AAP has the scope of forming a Government and it should convert the same into an opportunity. The party has reached this position after a long struggle and running away from the responsibility will mean disrespecting the public mandate,” said Gupta.
He said the Vajpayee Government had exhibited its commitment by signing the counter-guarantees offered by a previous Congress Government in the controversial Enron’s Dabhol project on the last day of its 13-day Government in 1996 when the no-confidence motion was
in progress.
“The AAP should form the Government and keep the promises it had made to the people, who have elected him,” Gupta added. Justifying the formula being suggested by leaders, it was contended by both parties that the move will certainly prevent the national Capital from re-polling and election expenses.
While referring to the statutory provisions, leaders said that a minority Government is possible and both parties will stage a walk out during the show of strength on the floor of the House.
“Kejriwal should come forward and stake claim to form a Government. If his party does not want anyone’s support, the BJP as well as the Congress will simply walk out,” said Jai Kishan, Congress MlA from Sultanpur Majra.
“People of Delhi have entrusted responsibilities on them. The AAP should fulfill the promises and deliver its commitments. At least they should give it a try and re-election should be the last resort. Before giving up, joint efforts can be made,” he said.
Meanwhile, the AICC General Secretary in-charge for Delhi Shakeel Ahmed told PTI on Tuesday that a number of senior leaders of Delhi were contemplating on offering unconditional support to the AAP to form a Government.