The BJP’s bid to form a government in Delhi got a shot in the arm from an unusual quarter – former Chief Minister Sheila Dikshit. Contrary to her party’s stand, the Congress veteran said, in a television interview, on Thursday that there was nothing wrong in BJP trying to form a government if they have managed to get the numbers.
The Congress leadership, on the other hand, has been demanding fresh elections alleging that BJP is trying to come to power by horse-trading. Ms. Dikshit’s observation left the Congress party divided with the top leadership distancing itself from her statement stating that “it was her personal opinion”. However, party MLA from Seemapuri, Mateen Ahmed, backed the three-time Chief Minister.
Delhi BJP president Satish Upadhyay ‘welcomed’ the statement. “It’s a mature statement from a senior leader who knows constitutional norms well”, he said. The Aam Aadmi Party, however, said its allegation that “there is good understanding between the BJP and the Congress” stands vindicated by her statement.
Ms. Dikshit, who recently returned to Delhi after resigning as Kerala Governor, gave major embarrassment to her party when she said: “In a democracy, elected governments are always good as they represent the people. If BJP has reached such a situation that it can form government, it is good for Delhi.”
The former Chief Minister, who led her party to victory in 1998, 2003 and 2008, said none of the legislators, be it from Congress, AAP or others, want an election at this stage.
