While it is still uncertain whether a new government will be formed in the existing Assembly, the Congress has initiated the process of ticket distribution to party candidates for the three Assembly segments scheduled to go to by-polls on November 25.
In a normal election, the party invites application from ticket seekers well in advance, which are then scrutinised before shortlisting candidates. The Congress leaders, however, said the State unit will shortlist names for the seats and send it for final approval to the central leadership.
“We will make a list of the two to three probables in each seat soon. The final decision will be taken by the central leadership,” said Delhi Congress spokesperson Mukesh Sharma.
While the State leadership declined to comment on the names of the probables being discussed, sources said the party might field new faces. However, the names of some old guards, like former Minister Dr. A.K. Walia, who is being considered from Krishna Nagar seat in East Delhi, are also doing the rounds.
Though Mr. Walia lost from Laxmi Nagar last year, he could be fielded from the neighbouring Krishna Nagar as a major portion of his traditional Geeta Colony seat was merged with Krishna Nagar constituency after delimitation ahead of the 2007 Assembly polls. However, Rajesh Sharma, East Delhi Lok Sabha Youth Congress president, is also being considered for the seat.
In Mehrauli Assembly constituency in South Delhi, sources said, party veteran Yoganand Shastri is lobbying for one of his family members. For the Jat-dominated Mehrauli, the name of Satbir Singh is also doing the rounds. Mr. Singh is said to hold a good repute among the Jat community and has the backing of at least two municipal councillors in the constituency.
In Tughlaqabad, sources said, the party could even bring back former MLA Sishpal Singh who had left it a few years back.