Delhi Assembly polls in-charge of BJP, Nitin Gadkari, said the party will give tickets to only those aspirants who will ensure victory.

But now it seems their strength will be tested on the basis of their performance in pulling crowds for the September 29 rally, which will be addressed by the prime ministerial candidate of BJP, Narendra Modi.

Delhi BJP president Vijay Goel on Wednesday said the party will come out with a comprehensive list of candidates only after the September 29 rally.

“As all the party functionaries are working overtime to make the September 29 rally a historic success, which is currently the main focus of all party activities, so we will come out with our list of candidates for the coming Assembly polls after September 29,” Goel said in a statement.

But party insiders said all office-bearers, MLAs and municipal councillors — a majority of them are party ticket contenders — have been entrusted with the responsibility of ensuring maximum participation of crowd at the venue.

Leaders said that the success of the rally will be a big test for ticket contenders.

Riding Modi wave

“The September 29 rally will be a big test for the Delhi unit of the party, especially after the stupendous show at the Rewari rally. The party wants to ride on the Modi popularity to shift the momentum in favour of the party for the Assembly polls. So ticket probables will be under watch for their performance,” said a BJP leader.

Party sources said another reason for delaying the announcement is because the party does not want to declare candidates’ names during Pitra Paksha — considered an inauspicious period in Hindu mythology.

The first list is likely to be announced only towards the end of the first week of October once Navratra starts, a BJP leader said.