Time ripe to win Delhi: Amit Shah tells BJP workers

NEW DELHI: BJP chief Amit Shah asked party workers on Tuesday to continue the party's victory march in Delhi. Following BJP's performance in four states, Shah said this trend should continue and they should make the most of the "favourable circumstances". But he warned against groupism and said tickets will be decided by the senior leadership.

"All other states (where polls are due) are looking at Delhi. Modiji's Vijay Rath which started from Lok Sabha elections and has covered states like Maharashtra, Haryana, Jharkhand and J&K is now heading for Delhi. By winning here, the party will set the tone for Bihar polls. In J&K we have created history and in the other three states we have our own CM for the first time,'' said Shah. BJP also announced its plan to kick-start the election campaign in Delhi with Prime Minister Narendra Modi's rally on January 10 at Ramlila Grounds.

Addressing workers at Delhi BJP headquarters, Shah said, "We should make the most of the present situation. With micro-planning and door-to-door contact, we can ensure our victory in Delhi. We need to win more booths than what we won in Lok Sabha elections". About ticket allocation, he said, "Only 70 people can contest and the party leadership will take the final call. My request to you is, don't indulge in groupism. It will be of no use. All of you should work towards ensuring the party's victory in the state''.

The meeting was attended by executive members and other functionaries of BJP's state unit. All members, including MPs, have been assigned responsibilities. Chandni Chowk MP Harsh Vardhan will be part of the manifesto committee, New Delhi MP Meenakshi Lekhi is in charge of the women's wing, West Delhi MP Parvesh Sahib Singh is in charge of youth, among others. Party workers have been told to publicize the work done by the Modi government, especially its decisions for Delhi, from upgrading electricity and water infrastructure to regularization of unauthorized colonies. "The recent decision to regularize unauthorized colonies is a big step. No other government could do it. We need to tell people about it. Apart from that, there are other schemes which will benefit people directly. We have to tell them about it," said Shah.

BJP's national general secretary, Ramlal, stressed on the need for door-to-door contact. "Party workers should tell people about the achievements of the Modi government. From telling people about Modiji's rally to ensuring they go out and vote, you all have to be in constant touch with them," said Ramlal.