Delhi: BJP may decline offer to form government; wants polls in February

NEW DELHI: Delhi BJP leaders did not spell out their strategy after the Centre informed the Supreme Court that President had given his nod to Lt Governor to end the stalemate by inviting the largest party in the assembly to form a government. However, they gave broad indications that the party may decline the offer, leading to the dissolution of the House and fresh polls around February.

Difference of opinion among central leaders and Delhi unit of BJP on whether the party should go for fresh polls or try to form a government were out in the open as they spoke in different voices. Though the overwhelming view appeared to be that there should be fresh polls in Delhi around February, no senior leader of the state or central unit was ready to make a categorical statement on the party’s course of action.

Union Urban Development Minister M Venkaiah Naidu told reporters that BJP was ready for fresh elections. BJP MPs Ramesh Bidhuri and Pravesh Verma, who were earlier elected as MLAs from Delhi, have also maintained that there should be fresh polls in Delhi. Union Minister Harsh Vardhan is of the same view, according to party sources. However, BJP Delhi unit chief Satish Upadhyay struck a cautious note, perhaps because he didn’t want to antagonise MLAs wary of facing the electorate, as they are not sure of getting the ticket again or winning.

"My answer is the same as it was three months ago. If we are invited to form a government we will analyse the situation and take a decision collectively," Upadhyay said. On its part, Congress accused BJP of trying to indulge in horse-trading to form a government in Delhi.