But discontent palpable in ranks

Upset over their names not figuring in BJP’s final list for the Assembly polls, many BJP councillors are planning to distance themselves from the campaigning process.

Upset over their names not figuring in BJP’s final list for the Assembly polls, many BJP councillors are planning to distance themselves from the campaigning process. A number of them are angry over the fact that the party overlooked many ‘deserving’ councillors in the selection process.

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“There are some councillors who stood a better chance of winning from certain seats. But the selectors have overlooked all that. Of course, councillors are upset over the issue and many will refrain from participating enthusiastically in the campaigning. This may affect the winning chances of the party,” said a BJP councillor requesting anonymity.

Many councillors claimed that the party had become overconfident of winning the elections and had taken the councillors for granted in the selection process. Mayor Arti Mehra, leader of the MCD House Subhash Arya and Chairman of the MCD’s Standing Committee Vijendra Gupta, deputy mayor Divya Kumar Jaiswal were hoping to be given a chance to contest the elections.

“The party was busy looking for women candidates for the reserved seats and all this while the women councillors were not even considered,” added the councillor.

But many BJP councillors, upset over the party’s decision, have decided to take it in their stride. “Being upset over the issue is quite natural but we respect the party’s decision and will abide by it,” said Mahender Nagpal, another BJP councillor.

Said mayor Arti Mehra, “Individuals are not bigger than the party. We had presented our case before the party and whatever decision they have taken, we respect it.”