Delhi Assembly polls likely on Feb 7

Mid-term Assembly elections in Delhi may be held on February 7 next year, say sources in Bharatiya Janata Party’s (BJP) unit here.

A leader, who did not wish to be named, said during discussions on security issues with the Union Home Ministry, three possible poll dates emerged – January 20, January 28 and February 7.

“Since January has R-Day celebrations and a lot of forces will be deployed for security arrangements, February 7 appears to be the most suitable option,” said the former BJP legislator, pointing to discussions of Delhi BJP leaders with national party president Amit Shah.

Another Delhi BJP leader said: “Given a choice, the BJP will not opt January 20 as it is the anniversary of Arvind Kejriwal’s sit-in near Parliament.”

Former BJP legislator Nand Kishore Garg said: “The elections would most likely be held in the first week of February.”

“A new Assembly has to be elected before February 14, which marks the completion of one year of president’s rule. Whether it will be February 7 (Saturday)  will be known within a few days,” he said. Delhi BJP chief Satish Upadhyay said the party is ready to fight elections any day. “We will be okay with first week of February as well,” he said.
A former BJP vice-president said: “The party is already in poll mode and has asked its 28 legislators to submit their report cards. Their achievements will be enlisted and voters in each constituency will be educated about them.”

“The launch of a new Delhi BJP website on Friday will add to the party’s preparations to achieve its target of winning 60 seats in the Assembly polls,” he said. A Delhi election officer said the summary revision of electoral rolls will be completed by January 5, 2015.
“Ten lakh new voters have been enrolled since last polls,” said an official.
There are about 1.29 crore voters in the city as compared to 1.19 crore voters in December 2013.

During the last elections, the BJP-Akali Dal alliance got 32 seats, the AAP got 28 seats, the Congress got eight seats and others two in the 70-member House.