Suspense ends as BJP names Harshvardhan as the Delhi BJP CM Candidate

New Delhi, Oct 23: Amidst much speculation, the Delhi

on Wednesday announced Dr Harshvardhan as the CM candidate for BJP in Delhi.

The formal announcement was made by Rajnath Singh, who praised Harshvardhan for his efforts. Singh also said that Vijay Goel has agreed to extend his support to Harshvardhan's candidature. Singh slammed reports of any rift within the party saying there was no rift.

The BJP parliamentary board met on Wednesday morning to make the final announcement.

Goel: I am not upset

As the meeting was underway, Delhi BJP Chief Vijay Goel expressed his support to the party's decision saying that he would be happy if Harshvardhan was named as the CM candidate.' "I am not upset," he said.

He went on to add that he has directed all the party workers to assist Harshvardhan.

"Now there is more responsibility on me as I need to work hard and make sure that the party wins in the election," he said.

Vijay Goel out, Harshvardhan announced Delhi CM candidate

BJP delayed the announcement as there was a rift between Goel and senior party leaders. Goel had earlier threatened to quit the party but later withdrew his statement saying that he never threatened to quit.

AAP, Cong criticise BJP

Even before the announcement was made, the Congress and the Aam Aadmi Party hit out at BJP and the divide within the party.

Congress also hit out at BJP and said that the decision didn't affect the party at all. Jagdish Tytler said that Harshvardhan was not match for Sheila Dikshit.

AAP CM candidate Arvind Kejriwal tweeted that "Harshvardhan is Delhi BJP's Manmohan Singh.'

Manish Sisodia, spokesperson for AAP said: "A person who has never spoken about corruption, never seen during any election campaigns, how can he be the CM? Harshvardhan had earlier praised Sheila Dikshit and now he is pitted against her."

In New Delhi

Delhi BJP leader Harsh Vardhan waves to party supporters after he was declared the party's chief ministerial candidate for the Delhi assembly polls, at the party office in New Delhi on Wednesday.

In New Delhi

Delhi BJP leader Harsh Vardhan celebrating with the party supporters after he was declared the party's chief ministerial candidate for the Delhi assembly polls, at the party office in New Delhi on Wednesday.

In New Delhi

Delhi BJP leaders Harsh Vardhan and Vijay Goel exchange sweets after Vardhan was declared the party's chief ministerial candidate for the Delhi assembly polls, at the party office in New Delhi on Wednesday. BJP president Rajnath Singh and party senior leaders L.K Advani, Arun Jaitley and Sushma Swaraj are also seen.

In New Delhi

Delhi BJP leader Harsh Vardhan offering sweets to Vijay Goel after Vardhan was declared the party's chief ministerial candidate for the Delhi assembly polls, at the party office in New Delhi on Wednesday. BJP president Rajnath Singh is also seen.

In New Delhi

Delhi BJP Chief Vijay Goel greets Harsh Vardhan after he was declared the party's chief ministerial candidate for the Delhi assembly polls, at the party office in New Delhi on Wednesday.

In New Delhi

BJP president Rajnath Singh and senior BJP leader L.K Advani greets Harsh Vardhan after he was declared the party's chief ministerial candidate for the Delhi assembly polls, at the party office in New Delhi on Wednesday.

In New Delhi

Senior BJP leader L.K Advani offering sweets to Harsh Vardhan after he was declared the party's chief ministerial candidate for the Delhi assembly polls, at the party office in New Delhi on Wednesday.

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