Unfazed by the allegations of ‘horse-trading’, the BJP appeared to be moving further in Government formation in the national Capital. The Delhi BJP said on Wednesday that the party would soon elect its leader of the legislative party who will also be the chief ministerial face of the party in Delhi Assembly. Delhi BJP president Satish Upadhyay also held a meeting with all-party MlAs, who reportedly conveyed their reservation against re-elections in the Capital. The meeting was attended by Delhi BJP in-charge and BJP MP Prabhat Jha. Well-placed sources said all 29 MlAs have categorically told the leadership that they do not want fresh elections and instead the party should explore the possibility of Government formation.
“The BJP is open to all options pertaining to the current political situation. We are exploring all possibilities. We are seeking consultation with senior party leaders on electing the leader of the legislative party in Delhi. The leader will be elected soon,” said Delhi BJP president Satish Upadhyay. After two separate meetings with party MlAs and MPs on the issue, Upadhyay said the party will consider taking a shot at Government-formation if invited by the lieutenant-Governor. Sources said almost all MlAs and MPs were in favour of BJP forming the Government and a final decision on the issue is likely to be taken after Prime Minister Narendra Modi returns from Brazil.
They said senior leader and former Delhi Finance Minister Jagdish Mukhi was the front runner for the Chief Minister’s post as he is known to have good equations with all quarters in the party. Another five-time MlA from Ghonda, Sahib Singh Chauhan could also be a contender, sources said. BJP will require the support of five additional MlAs to prove majority in the Assembly and the sources said the party was confident of getting them. “We will consider it (formation of Government) provided the lieutenant-Governor Najeeb Jung calls us,” Upadhyay said after meeting with party MlAs.
BJP had emerged the single largest party after in the Assembly polls with 32 seats — including their ally Akali Dal’s one MlA — in the 70-member Assembly. The party fell four seats short of a simple majority and had refused to form the Government in December last year, saying did not have the numbers and will not resort to any ‘unfair means’ to take the reins. Upadhyay, however, said the opinion of the previous Delhi BJP president Harsh Vardhan will also be kept into consideration along with the ‘second thought’ that would emerge in the party.
The BJP currently has 29 MlAs in the House after three of its legislators Harsh Vardhan, Ramesh Bidhuri and Pervesh Verma were elected to lok Sabha. With the resignation of three MlAs, the strength of the Assembly also went down to 67 and the simple majority mark would be 34.