Modi is the main 'mudda' for BJP in Delhi

It is Modi, Modi and Modi for BJP in Delhi.

Whether it is an interview, or a press conference or a campaign trail in a constituency — BJP candidates and leaders are relying heavily on Prime Minister Narendra Modi.

They believe Modi could help them paper over burning issues like sealing of commercial establishments running in residential areas or the unhappiness among traders who are cut up over the contentious Goods and Service Tax (GST).

The Delhi BJP wants at least four rallies or public meetings of Modi in the capital in the first ten days of May but the central leadership is likely to give in for two or at maximum three.

In 2014, Delhi gifted all the seven seats to BJP, which was then riding on a Modi wave. However, it was in 2015 that Delhi gave Modi a shock when AAP decimated BJP in the Assembly elections and stalled his juggernaut.

This time, there is no wave witnessed five years ago but the BJP leaders are convinced that Modi alone could help them win. They privately admit an alliance between the Congress and the AAP could have been difficult for them and even Modi could not do much but he is the only weapon they have.

Sample this. On Friday, the Delhi BJP invited media to its headquarters to introduce its candidates and after exuding confidence that BJP is winning all the seats in his introductory speech, Delhi BJP chief and North-East Delhi candidate Manoj Tiwari suddenly moved to Modi, "yesterday I was in Varanasi (for Modi's road show). I have seen a lot of road shows. I couldn't believe my eyes that 8-10 lakh people had assembled. The crowd was such that they couldn't move."

'Modi will deliver Vishwaguru'

There was not much talk about what they intend to do. Union Minister and Chandni Chowk candidate Harsh Vardhan picked the microphone, "in the coming days, after 2019, Modi will deliver New India... Modi will deliver 'vishwa guru' (global leader) Bharat."

DH asked him whether sealing could have an impact in traders dominated Chandni Chowk. After denying any implication of sealing, Harsh Vardhan goes on, "the only thing in this election is that people want Modi back. They are convinced that Modi is one who can really help people and solve problems."

North-West Delhi candidate Sufi singer Hansraj Hans breaks into songs on Modi during campaign. A reporter who shoots a question to the singer ends up being treated to a song on Modi after a couple of sentences. He told DH that he joined the BJP because he was "enamoured" by Modi's personality.

South Delhi candidate Ramesh Bidhuri is more vocal as he recalls the Balakot airstrike and reiterates Modi's claims on how he pressurised Pakistan after Pulwama terror strike. “This Prime Minister is not one who sleeps. He is always alert,” he said.

After Modi, the BJP's focus has been to attack Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal and the Congress. AAP's attempt to enter into a coalition with Congress is also being highlighted by the BJP.