NEW DELHI: The BJP replaced six of seven Lok Sabha MPs but may consider them for Assembly elections due to their experience and support.
Following its victory in all seven Lok Sabha seats in Delhi for the third consecutive term, the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) is now focused on ending its losing streak in the upcoming Delhi Assembly elections, scheduled for early next year. According to a senior party leader who spoke with The Sunday Guardian, the BJP plans to introduce new, young candidates, echoing its strategy from the Lok Sabha elections. However, the party will also support its veteran leaders, leveraging their experience for the assembly polls. The leader noted that former MPs might be given another opportunity in the Delhi Assembly elections to showcase their value and accountability.
Notably, the BJP replaced six of its seven sitting MPs in the recent Lok Sabha elections, retaining only Manoj Tiwari. Nonetheless, sources suggest that senior leaders are considering these former MPs for the upcoming assembly elections due to their experience, voter popularity, and strong grassroots support.
A Delhi BJP leader, who spoke on the condition of anonymity, confirmed that the party is considering four of the six former MPs as potential candidates. These MPs include Ramesh Bidhuri, Parvesh Verma, former Union Minister Meenakshi Lekhi, and Dr. Harsh Vardhan, all of whom have substantial electoral experience.
Sources indicate that Ramesh Bidhuri might be fielded from the Tughlakabad seat, where he was previously elected as an MLA three times. Parvesh Verma could be considered for either the Najafgarh or Mehrauli seat, as he was an MLA from Mehrauli before becoming an MP. Meenakshi Lekhi is likely to be a candidate for the Greater Kailash seat, while Dr. Harsh Vardhan might be considered for either the Model Town or Shalimar Bagh assembly seat. However, a source mentioned that “the final decision on ticket distribution will be made by the central leadership, but state recommendations and the incumbency of MPs will play an important role in the process.”
Jitendra Mahajan, BJP MLA from Rohtas Nagar, told The Sunday Guardian that “there is no reason not to consider them.” He added that these former MPs are senior and experienced. The party will evaluate each candidate’s electability, and if they are seen as potential winners, they will certainly be considered. Mahajan emphasised that the central leadership will ultimately decide who will be fielded in the upcoming assembly elections. He assured that the Delhi BJP is prepared to challenge the Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) government, focusing on its failures in addressing Delhi’s water needs and persistent water logging issues. Mahajan highlighted that the Delhi BJP will rely on its grassroots workers, who have consistently supported the party, aiming to oust the AAP from power and secure victory.
He noted the BJP’s clean sweep in the recent Lok Sabha elections against the I.N.D.I.A. bloc is a positive indicator for their prospects in the assembly elections.