Delhi BJP undecided on repolls

NEW DELHI: With consensus building up within BJP in favour of re-election in Delhi, senior leaders are debating its timing. While some leaders are in favour of early polls, others say the party needs time to prepare for re-election.

After AAP levelled poaching charges against BJP earlier this month, sources say, BJP is unlikely to form a government with support from any breakaway group. "Elections are inevitable in Delhi. Now, it is just a question of timing. The party will assess all the pros and cons before taking a decision," said a senior leader.

Many leaders feel that Delhi BJP can cash in on the party's sterling performance in the Lok Sabha elections. "We should make the most of our victory in the Lok Sabha elections. The present mood is in our favour," said a leader.

But another section is of the opinion that BJP should wait for some time. They say the rise in AAP's vote share in the city, despite it losing the support of the middle class, is a cause of concern for BJP. After a disappointing debut in the Lok Sabha polls, AAP convener Arvind Kejriwal has shifted his focus back on Delhi and is working hard to strengthen its base in the city.

The leadership crisis is also a cause of concern for the senior leadership. After Delhi BJP chief Harsh Vardhan got elected into the Lok Sabha from Chandni Chowk and found a place in the Narendra Modi Cabinet, the party is yet to pick a new leader for Delhi. While several names are doing the rounds, the party is yet to take a decision. An announcement is likely in July, said leaders.

BJP leaders say once the Delhi chief is decided, the party will need some time to get its act together. "The new chief will bring about changes in the organizational set-up. It has been pending for a long time. After taking over as chief, Vardhan wanted to change a few things but couldn't do so as there was hardly any time left for the Lok Sabha polls," said a leader.