NEWDELHI:In afresh twist in the political soap over government formation in Delhi, Congress on Saturday paraded all eight of its MLAs in an effort to counter speculation of split while BJP leaders insisted all options remain open and that Congresss show of strength was an attempt to shore up adivided house. Incessant speculation that six its MLAs were ready to jump ship and support aBJP government saw Congress present all its legislators before the media on Saturday with state chief Arvinder Singh ruling out support to either Aam Admi Party or BJP. READ ALSO: BJP,AAP should join hands to form govt in Delhi: Congress In fact, Congress leaders hit out at AAP, saying that Arvind Kejirwals outfit had been touch with party MLAs in abid to seek their support to form agovernment in Delhi. Delhi BJP chief Satish Upadhyay asked MPs, MLAs and party workers to use all possible modes of publicity to tell people about the budgetary provisions for Delhi Though the Congress show was intended to scotch speculation of asplit, BJP sources said the MLAs in question have not burnt their bridges with BJP. Our party has not taken afinal view on whether it should attempt to form agovernment or prepare to face fresh elections, said a senior BJP leader. BJP sources pointed out that Congress MLAs were as wary about fresh polls and those from other parties but would not be willing to commit themselves one way or another unless the BJP national leadership took afinal view. BJP leaders pointed out that the Delhi budget presented in Parliament on Friday indicates the party is ready for both scenarios — its provisions can be the framework for anew government or an election manifesto. The BJP leadership is weighing its choices carefully. Going to polls will mean it will have to project aleader capable of countering AAP leader Arvind Kejriwal who is bound to throw his all in the assembly election in order to regain the ground he lost in the Lok Sabha elections. If health minister Harsh Vardhan is projected, Prime Minister Narendra Modi would need to find areplacement. Not projecting him will leave BJP scouting for an credible counter-weight to Kejriwal. State chief Arvinder Singh ruling out support to either Aam Admi Party or BJP. While it waits for the party bosses to resolve the Delhi tangle, the BJP state unit has decided to aggressively publicize the budget, amove that the party hopes will position it for both scenarios — government formation and fresh elections. In ameeting held on Saturday, Delhi BJP chief Satish Upadhyay asked MPs, MLAs and party workers to use all possible modes of publicity to tell people about the budgetary provisions for Delhi, starting from power subsidy and special funds for augmenting the infrastructure to housing for poor to women safety. With AAP and Congress sharpening its attack on BJP post-budget calling it a repeat of old provisions, BJP leaders say there is aneed to communicate the initiatives outlined by the Centre. We need to communicate the good work done by our government to people. For the first time, the Central government has made provision for augmentation of Delhis power infrastructure in the Union budget. Power subsidy has been given from the central fund. There are many more issues which the government has tried to address. AAP and Congress are misleading people by spreading wrong information, said Upadhyay. READ ALSO: BJP trying to buy MLAs to form government in Delhi: AAP When asked about the Congresss move to parade its MLAs, Upadhyay said, It is their internal matter and Idont want to comment on it. As for government formation, Upadhyay maintained that the final decision will be taken by the central leadership. Our government is sensitive towards the needs of the people and is committed to deliver on its promises. In the budget, the government has addressed most of the key concerns of the city despite the financial constraints. We have to tell people about the work we are doing, said Meenakshi Lekhi, MP from New Delhi, who attended the meeting which lasted for 45minutes.
Posted on: Sun, 20 Jul 2014 07:00:06 +0000
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