Small parties, independents may change equation

The apathetic attitude of the elected representatives and the two major political parties in Delhi — the Congress and the BJP — has made Delhi voters look for the third option. HT reports.

The apathetic attitude of the elected representatives and the two major political parties in Delhi — the Congress and the BJP — has made Delhi voters look for the third option.

Though Delhi’s political scene has always been hogged by the two arch rivals, past few years have seen smaller parties finding a foothold. If voting trend is anything to go by, smaller parties and independent candidates may severely dent the prospects of Congress and BJP.

In 2007 municipal polls, BJP got 36.17% votes and the Congress had a vote share of 29.17%. BSP was the third largest party with 9.87% votes. Independent candidates had got 15.12% votes.

BSP had won 17 seats in the 272-member house. Though the party could win only two seats, its vote percentage jumped to 15% in the 2008 assembly elections. The NCP, SP, Lok Janshakti Party and other smaller parties that showed some presence in some parts of Delhi and are now expecting more support from the electorate.

“We have seen Congress and BJP work in both the state government and in the MCD. Their names are different but the deeds are the same. I think, it is time we gave a chance to candidates from other parties,” said Vinod Maurya, a trader and resident of Mayur Vihar Phase-I.

Parts of northeast Delhi, north Delhi, outer Delhi, the villages of south Delhi and the Muslim dominated pockets of the Capital are areas where smaller parties may spring some surprises this year.

Leaders of the BJP and the Congress agree that BSP and SP may make the going tough for them in east Delhi and may also impact results in south Delhi.