Ahead of Delhi Assembly Election, All political parties are busy formulating their own strategies. The primary hurdle for the BJP is to dismantle the stronghold of the Aam Aadmi Party and overcome a 27-year absence from power in Delhi. Since 1998, the BJP has struggled to regain control after the Congress and then the AAP took the lead. With an anti-incumbency sentiment brewing in Delhi, the BJP is optimistic that voters will rally behind them this time. The party is focusing its efforts on appealing to slum residents, Purvanchalis, Punjabis, Vaishyas, and women from rural Delhi.
So far, the BJP has announced candidates for 29 assembly seats, strategically placing seasoned leaders to challenge AAP’s prominent figures. The initial candidate list indicates that the party is aiming to connect with various demographics, featuring over eight candidates from the Punjabi and Vaishya communities. Additionally, candidates from the Gujjar and Jat communities have been selected for the rural Delhi seats. The BJP is also putting forward strong contenders for the Dalit seat, which has eluded them in previous elections.
BJP’s Strengths
1. The BJP has secured all seven Lok Sabha seats, receiving a favorable response from the public.
2. The party has nominated prominent figures to challenge AAP’s leading members.
3. Central government initiatives in Delhi, such as housing for slum dwellers, major highways, and the Namo Bharat scheme, are part of their campaign.
4. The BJP boasts a robust organization that is actively campaigning in slum areas.
5. To attract Purvanchali voters, they have enlisted well-known personalities like Manoj Tiwari, who has been elected as an MP three times.
Weaknesses from Years of Absence
1. The BJP lacks a clear Chief Ministerial candidate to oppose Arvind Kejriwal.
2. They face criticism regarding the deteriorating law and order situation in Delhi under the BJP-led central government.
3. The party’s image has suffered over the past year and a half due to demolitions in Delhi’s slums.
4. The BJP has announced candidates for 29 assembly seats, but internal factionalism remains a concern.
