Sheila Dikshit's Delhi bombshell: What it means for BJP, Congress

Updated: Friday, September 12, 2014, 15:05 [IST]

Shiela Dikshit kicks off yet another controversy in Delhi

Former Delhi Chief Minister Sheila Dikshit has kicked off a major political storm after she backed rival BJP to form government in Delhi. The Congress was quick to distance itself from the three-time Delhi CM's controversial statement terming it as her personal view. Later, Sheila clarified on her stand saying the BJP will be forced to face the floor test.

What did Sheila Dikshit say?

Dikshit, who served as Delhi's chief minister between 1998 and 2013, was quoted as saying, "An elected government in a democracy is always better for it is a people's representative and if the BJP can form the government in Delhi, then it's a good thing."

BJP's reaction

The Delhi BJP leadership welcomed Sheila Dikshit's remark and thanked her for her support. It is yet another booster for the BJP, which was facing criticism after Aam Aadmi Party accused it of involving in horse trading.

Delhi BJP chief Satish Upadhyay said, " Sheila Dikshit's words as a political leader are mature and serious. We welcome it."

Sheila's statement creates storm within Congress

Meanwhile, Sheila's statement has once again revealed the infighting within the Congress.

Delhi Congress leader Mukesh Sharma said they were shocked to hear Dikshit's statement and downplayed it as her personal opinion. He said the Congress wanted another election and would not allow the BJP to form a government in the state. Sharma also said that the Congress would also issue a whip to its MLAs in Delhi if voting takes place.

Another Congress leader PC Chacko was quoted as saying, "We aren't supporting BJP directly or indirectly, until party takes decision don't think such opinions are correct."

While party MLA Mateen Ahmed backed Sheila's words on the BJP's forming the government in Delhi.

Sheila's clarification

Meanwhile, the former Kerala governor clarified on her statement saying all she meant was that even if the BJP were to form a government, it would have to prove its majority on the floor of the House, said an Indian Express report.