Delhi assembly elections to be a three-cornered contest

The entry of the Congress in the poll fray had turned the table topsy-turvy as now the elections in Delhi will be a three-cornered contest. The votes Congress gets would decide who wins the Delhi polls ---- the BJP or AAP.

Delhi election will be different from the recently concluded state assembly polls where the BJP had an edge over its rivals on account of high anti-incumbency of its opponents. In Delhi, the situation is different; BJP that is facing some anti-incumbency as it runs three municipal corporations and Delhi government was also under its control (President’s rule) since June 2014. Amid it, the BJP has a star vote catcher of 2014 --- Prime Minister Narendra Modi.

The contest in Delhi primarily appeared between the BJP and Arvind Kejriwal led Aam Aadmi Party but the Congress, which has been in power for 15 years, has emerged as a late entrant. The polling in Delhi will take place on January 10.

The grand old party of India is likely to announce former Union minister Ajay Maken as its face in Delhi and may field some stalwarts such Mahabal Mishra and Krishna Tirath as party candidates. The three had lost in the Lok Sabha polls held in April to May this year. The Congress believes that these leaders can at least win their seats so that the party can prevent complete decimation in the assembly polls.

The Aam Aadmi Party had taken a head-start by announcing its candidates for all 70 seats of Delhi assembly. Arvind Kejriwal started his focus for Delhi elections soon after the Lok Sabha polls and has held over 70 rallies and meetings. He has been most visible face on Delhi streets after the Lok Sabha polls and had considered the BJP its primary rival.

But, the Congress has now emerged as a serious contender and has also announced some of the candidates. The serious entry of the Congress in the poll fray had turned the table topsy-turvy as now the elections in Delhi will be a three-cornered contest. The votes Congress gets would decide who wins the Delhi polls ---- the BJP or AAP.