BJP grapples for real poll issues

Despite being routed in the last assembly elections in the Capital, the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) does not seem to have learnt its lesson.

Despite being routed in the last assembly elections in the Capital, the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) does not seem to have learnt its lesson.

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While the Congress has decided to make "development" its main poll plank in the Capital, the opposition BJP is still
grappling for real poll issues - just two months ahead of the Lok Sabha elections.

The party is yet to decide if it wants to focus on the failure of the UPA government or the economic downturn resulting in growing unemployment or local issues like bijli, sadak, paani to increase its poll prospects in the Capital.

The BJP has formed a committee under the chairmanship of former Delhi Lieutenant Governor Vijay Kapoor to identify what should be the issues at the state level. "The committee is expected to give its report soon," said a senior BJP leader.

Delhi BJP president O.P. Kohli said that though the party was yet to decide on the final issues around which it will design its campaign in Delhi, their main focus this time around would be to highlight how the Congress-led Delhi government has failed to make Delhi a liveable city in the last 10 years.

"Being in the opposition, we can't tom-tom our achievements but we will definitely highlight the failures of the ruling party. The Congress has failed on all count in the Capital — be it providing an efficient public transport system or ensuring that citizens get basic amenities," said Kohli.

Former BJP MP Vijay Goel, who is also a contender for a Lok Sabha ticket, from the Capital said: "One of the main issues that we will focus on is how the Congress is misleading people by claiming that they have regularised unauthorised colonies," he said.