With three sitting MLAs of the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) emerging victorious in the Lok Sabha elections, the spotlight has shifted to the Delhi assembly. BJP had fielded its state unit president Harsh Vardhan from Chandni Chowk, and legislators Ramesh Bidhuri from south Delhi and Pravesh Verma from west Delhi.
Maintaining that though a decision on when a re-election for the assembly would take place will be made by the Lt Governor and the President, Vardhan said that the party was ready for polls.
BJP has grabbed all seven Lok Sabha seats in the city. Vardhan said the party is now hopng to get a clear majority in the assembly. “We don’t have the numbers to form the government in Delhi, and nothing has changed in our stance since December 12. Our party doesn’t believe in forming a government through manipulation,” he told HT.
In the assembly polls held last year, the BJP-SAD combine secured 32 of the 70 seats, AAP won 28, while Congress managed to take home a mere eight. But now, with three sitting MLAs winning LS seats, the BJP’s strength has dropped to 29.
Delhi assembly has currently been kept in suspended animation, and President’s rule is in force.
{{/usCountry}}Delhi assembly has currently been kept in suspended animation, and President’s rule is in force.
{{/usCountry}}When asked whether he will continue to be the party’s chief ministerial candidate, Vardhan stated that this will be decided by the national leadership.
“I am available to the party in every capacity and will do as it says. For now, I will commence my job as the Chandni Chowk MP, and deliver on the promises made to the people,” he said.