All the parties are fully preparing for the Delhi Assembly elections. While Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) and Congress have released their lists of candidates, Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) has not yet announced the list of candidates. However, intense churning is going on within the party, and according to sources, BJP may announce its list any time.
Serious brainstorming on the list of candidates
According to sources, intensive discussions were held for three days between the national leadership of BJP and top officials of Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS).
- Sunday’s marathon meeting:
- Union Home Minister Amit Shah, Defense Minister Rajnath Singh, BJP general secretary (organisation) BL Santosh, and Delhi BJP in-charge Baijayant Panda discussed the names of candidates for the 70 assembly seats.
- Tuesday’s discussion:
- Another meeting was held under the leadership of Amit Shah and senior RSS leader Arun Kumar.
- After this meeting, the list of probable candidates was submitted to Prime Minister Narendra Modi for consideration.
PM Modi will take the final decision
Sources said that Delhi elections are extremely important for BJP, and that is why each candidate has been rigorously scrutinized.
- Decision meeting:
- BJP’s Central Election Committee will meet under the leadership of Prime Minister Modi by the end of this week.
- The list of candidates will be finalized in this meeting.
- PM’s rallies:
- PM Modi will address at least two rallies in Delhi as part of the election campaign.
Importance of Delhi elections for BJP
Delhi elections have always been challenging for BJP. In the last two assembly elections, the party had to face a crushing defeat from the Aam Aadmi Party.
- Active participation of RSS:
- This time RSS is also actively involved in the election process.
- Each candidate has been individually examined.
- Limited contact with Delhi unit:
- Sources said the national leadership and the RSS have had little or no contact with the Delhi unit, and decisions on candidates have been taken at the national level.
Preparations of Congress and AAP
- AAP’s position:
- AAP has released the list of all its candidates and is campaigning vigorously.
- Congress Strategy:
- Congress has also fielded new faces and experienced leaders.