Manoj Tiwari is new Delhi BJP chief

The BJP has appointed Manoj Tiwari, Bhojpuri superstar and MP from North East Delhi, as its new city unit chief in a bid to energise the party ahead of the civic polls next year.

Denying groupism in the party, Tiwari, 43, said he would strive to serve the people who have been betrayed by both the AAP and the Congress.

“It is a big challenge for a new party worker like me. I will try my best to justify the faith shown by the party in me,” said Tiwari, who joined the BJP ahead of the 2014 Lok Sabha elections.

Opening a battlefront against Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal, Tiwari said: “He has deserted Delhi. A look out notice will have to be issued for him.”

Kejriwal was elected to serve people of Delhi but he claims that he will camp in another state till polls are not held there, said Tiwari.

In a veiled reference to the Congress, the Delhi BJP chief said on the other hand is a party which ruled in the city for a long tenure and yet failed to deliver the goods.

“We are all energised. With positive thinking and clean hearts we will help Delhiites get all the facilities that they have been deprived of,” said the actor-turned-politician.

Tiwari's mass appeal among Poorvanchalis – a term used to refer to migrants from eastern Uttar Pradesh and Bihar – appears to be an attempt by the BJP to cut into the AAP's vote base. Poorvanchali voters account for about 30-40% of Delhi voters and their wholehearted support for the AAP helped it end the 15 years of Congress rule in 2013 and 2015.

There was an undercurrent in Delhi BJP circles over the naming of Tiwari – seen by some as a new entrant into the party. In private, some leaders showed signs of unhappines over Tiwari's appointment.

Among those who appeared disturbed with Tiwari's elevation included leaders perceived as strong representatives of communities like Vaishya, Jats, Gujjars, Punjabi and Brahmins.