BJP set to meet LG after Diwali, seek fresh polls

Party likely to ask for dissolution of hung Assembly

The BJP is planning to approach Lieutenant Governor Najeeb Jung to seek dissolution of the Delhi Assembly and pave the way for fresh polls, party sources said on Tuesday.

The meeting of a Bharatiya Janata Party delegation, led by city unit chief Satish Upadhyay, with Jung could take place soon after Diwali on October 23 and before a hearing on the issue in the Supreme Court on October 28.

“This is the best way out of the stalemate,” said a legislator.“By seeking a dissolution of the House, we may make things easier for the central government which has to take a stand on the issue in the apex court,” said the BJP leader.

Jung has sought permission from President Pranab Mukherjee to allow him to invite the BJP to explore government formation possibilities. The Lieutenant Governor, it is believed, has not yet got any reply from the President.

Exploring alternatives
If the BJP itself seeks dissolution of the House, Jung may also be relieved of the responsibility of exploring alternatives for government formation.The hung Assembly has been under suspended animation since February when the Arvind Kejriwal government quit after a 49-day rule.

BJP Delhi president Satish Upadhyay said the party is ready for polls. “We will win majority by highlighting the good governance of the central government under Prime Minister Narendra Modi,” he said.

The BJP is gearing up to face the challenge from the Aam Aadmi Party by projecting Modi’s track record.AAP spokesperson Ashutosh said, “Modi is not going to become the Chief Minister. So, it will not be Modi-Kejriwal fight.”

Expressing confidence of his party winning a comfortable majority in fresh elections, Ashutosh said, “BJP’s Jadish Mukhi – a potential Chief Minister candidate – will not be able to give a fight to Kejriwal’s popularity.”

BJP leaders said the results in Haryana and Maharashtra show that the Modi can swing voters favourably.“Delhiites have already seen the 49-day governance of Kejriwal. They know only the BJP can give a stable government,” said a two-time legislator.

“The AAP is afraid of a Modi versus Kejriwal fight,” he said.In the 70-member Assembly, whose current strength is 67, the BJP-Akali Dal combine enjoys the support of 29 MLAs. The AAP has 27 legislators, the Congress has eight and there are three others.