Delhi BJP chief Vijay Goel could be in for trouble with the party’s central leadership taking note of the brewing discontent among local leaders over his “style of functioning.”
Goel’s loss could be gain for former Health Minister Harsh Vardhan, who might be elevated as chairman of the campaign committee for Delhi Assembly polls even if Goel manages to retain his chair.At least four central BJP leaders have urged party chief Rajnath Singh to replace Vijay Goel with a “suitable” leader as the Delhi BJP president to ensure the party’s victory in Assembly elections that will be held later this year.
“We are discussing the issue. Some announcement could be expected next week,” sources told The Pioneer. Sources said Harsh Vardhan is tipped to get some important organisational responsibility under a new arrangement that would be put in place shortly. Making him the Chairman of the Campaign Committee for Delhi is one of the proposals under discussion. This would be on the lines of a similar committee set up under Narendra Modi, for national election.
A ‘modest’ Harsh Vardhan is seen as a frontrunner for the BJP’s Chief Ministerial candidate’s slot in Delhi to match the stature of Sheila Dikshit. However, the party has not taken a call on the issue of projecting a CM candidate for Delhi.Several Delhi BJP leaders have complained, some even in writing, to Singh and former party chief Nitin Gadkari (he is officiating as Prabhari for the State) about Goel’s style of functioning. Sources claimed Singh and Gadkari had a meeting on Thursday to discuss the issue and sort out the problem. “All propositions were discussed. Even if Goel manages to survive, his wings would be clipped,” sources claimed.