BJP Plans to Field Ex-MPs and Roll Out Women-Centric Schemes for Delhi Polls
In an ambitious move to reclaim power in Delhi, the BJP is strategizing to leverage its former MPs' popularity and introduce significant women-centric policies aimed at capturing the female vote bank. The party, distanced from power in the capital since 1998, is focusing on highlighting the AAP government's perceived failures, including issues related to environmental pollution, water scarcity, and inflated electricity bills. This approach reflects the BJP's commitment to breaking the AAP's stronghold by addressing the anti-incumbency sentiment against the current administration.
The strategy involves fielding heavyweights like Parvesh Verma, Meenakshi Lekhi, and Ramesh Bidhuri against AAP's leading figures, signaling the BJP's intent to use its seasoned politicians' influence to sway voters. Additionally, the party plans to unveil over two significant schemes targeting women voters in Delhi, aiming to outshine AAP's promises with well-budgeted and implementable initiatives.
Delicate Campaign Strategies and Internal Insights
The BJP's campaign is meticulously avoiding direct confrontation with Arvind Kejriwal, instead, focusing on the general dissatisfaction with the AAP government's unfulfilled promises and governance issues. This strategy aims to shift the electoral battle from a personal contest against Kejriwal to a referendum on AAP's tenure in Delhi. Furthermore, the controversy surrounding the lavish refurbishment of Kejriwal's official residence, termed the 'Sheeshmahal' row, is being spotlighted by the BJP as evidence of AAP leaders' hypocrisy, contrasting their 'common man' persona with their actions.
Internal dynamics within the AAP, including the desire of several MLAs to defect to the BJP, underscores the prevailing discontent and anti-incumbency faced by the ruling party. However, the BJP is selective, aiming to maintain a high standard of candidacy by avoiding individuals with significant anti-incumbency, including prominent AAP leaders like Kejriwal, Sisodia, and Atishi. "Our internal survey says Atishi's anti-incumbency is lower than Kejriwal and Sisodia. We are also hearing that Sisodia is unlikely to fight from Patparganj and if this happens we are going to win for sure," a BJP leader confidently stated. This sentiment was further reflected in the AAP's decision to nominate Sisodia from Jangpura instead of Patparganj, introducing educator Avadh Ojha as the candidate for the latter, hinting at strategic shifts within the AAP's electoral positioning.
Electoral Expectations and Strategic Adjustments
Amid these developments, the BJP is optimistic about its prospects, buoyed by internal surveys predicting a significant increase in its vote share, potentially surpassing the 50% mark. This anticipated surge in support is attributed to a changing electoral landscape, with the Congress party's resurgence in Delhi potentially dividing the opposition vote between AAP and Congress, thereby benefiting the BJP. "We have had a consistent 30-33 per cent vote share in Delhi but AAP has been winning Assembly polls because it has been getting more than 40 per cent vote share. But now this pattern has been changed since the last MCD elections," a senior BJP leader explained, outlining the evolving political dynamics in the capital.
As the current Delhi Assembly's term concludes on February 23, 2025, the BJP is gearing up for a critical electoral challenge, aiming to dismantle the AAP's dominance by addressing key governance issues and strategically positioning its candidates. With a concerted focus on women-centric policies and a nuanced campaign strategy, the BJP seeks to rejuvenate its presence in Delhi, banking on its methodical preparations and deep-rooted organizational strength to orchestrate a political comeback in the forthcoming assembly polls.
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