Regional parties bank on Delhi?s cosmopolitanism

Many regional parties having their political bases in UP, Bihar, West Bengal, Maharashtra, Punjab or Haryana are contesting elections in Delhi this time.

Many regional parties having their political bases in UP, Bihar, West Bengal, Maharashtra, Punjab or Haryana are contesting elections in Delhi this time.

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The parties are confident about cashing on the popularity of their leaders in their respective states and to garner the votes of Delhiites who hail from these states.

“Delhi has become a real cosmopolitan city and this shows in the different political parties contesting the assembly polls,” said Ramvir Singh Bidhuri, chairman of the Third Front in Delhi. He said that the demographic profile of Delhi has changed considerably over the last few years and that the Front has a good chance this time.

While the BSP, SP, Lok Dal and the Samajwadi Janata Party of former PM Chandrashekhar have their base in UP, the Lok Janshakti Party of Ram Vilas Paswan has its base in Bihar.

This time around, Mamata Bannerjee's Trinamool Congress will also field two candidates to woo immigrant Bengalis. Ally of the NDA at the centre, the JD (U), having its base mainly in Bihar, is also contesting in 21 seats. Similarly, the Republican Party of Prakash Ambedkar with its base in Maharashtra will field candidates.

A taste of home

* Bengal Trinamool Congress is fielding 2 candidates to cash in on the Bengali sentiment

* Bihar The JD (U) is also contesting from 21 seats

* Maharashtra The Republican Party of Prakash Ambedkar is banking on the Marathis