Delhi BJP Debates Strategy for Upcoming Assembly Election

Ahead of the February assembly election, a faction within the Delhi BJP is pushing for a prominent party face to challenge the Aam Aadmi Party, led by Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal. Various leaders' names have been proposed, emphasizing the importance of unity and streamlined campaigning.

Ahead of the upcoming February assembly elections, a faction within the Delhi BJP is advocating for a prominent party leader to challenge the Aam Aadmi Party (AAP), which is currently led by Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal. Historically, the BJP contested the 2020 assembly elections without a designated chief ministerial candidate and was defeated, securing only eight out of 70 seats.

Several senior BJP leaders believe that fielding a well-known party face against Kejriwal could be advantageous. Names that have surfaced include MPs Ramvir Singh Bidhuri, Bansuri Swaraj, Manoj Tiwari, state president Virendra Sachdeva, former MP Parvesh Verma, and Leader of Opposition in the Assembly Vijender Gupta.

Advocates of this strategy argue that rallying behind a single leader would project unity and enhance the effectiveness of the BJP's campaign. However, the proposal has its dissenters, who recall the 2015 election where the BJP, despite fielding Kiran Bedi, suffered a significant loss to AAP. The national leadership is yet to make a final decision on this matter.

(With inputs from agencies.)