Even as political circles in the city are abuzz with speculation of government formation in Delhi, by-elections to three Assembly constituencies here are likely to be held in August.
Krishna Nagar, Mehrauli and Tughlaqabad Assembly constituencies had fallen vacant in May after sitting Bharatiya Janata Party legislators Dr. Harsh Vardhan, Pravesh Verma and Ramesh Bidhuri were elected to the Lok Sabha.
“The by-election to the three Assembly constituencies are expected to be held on August 21 and counting on August 26. The Election Commission of India is likely to issue a notification on July 26,” said sources in the Delhi Electoral Office.
Officials, however, said the by-elections will also depend on the longevity of President’s Rule in the city. President’s Rule was imposed in Delhi on February 17 after the Aam Aadmi Party government quit office on February 14.
President’s Rule will cease to exist on August 16 unless the Union Government decides to extend it by another six months. It could end even if a new government is formed in the meantime. In case the Centre decides to dissolve the Assembly, which is in suspended animation, by-elections will not be required.
Political ramificationsWith reports of the BJP making efforts to form a government in Delhi, the by-election results could have its own political ramifications.
“Since the current strength of the Delhi Assembly has gone down to 67, the three vacancies have brought down the simple majority number to 34, which is easier to achieve. If the party is able to form a government now or even if President’s Rule is extended, the by-elections could work as a barometer to assess the people’s mood,” said a senior BJP leader.
The party leaders, however, said the future course of action will also depend on the outcome of the AAP case against President’s Rule in the Supreme Court.
A five-member Constitution Bench is scheduled to hear the matter on August 5.
