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The divided house of Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) may yet again deny it the chance to come to power. The Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) — seen to be the main rival of the BJP — has managed to nose ahead in campaigning, even on social media which was the BJP’s forte (according to a survey of key digital channels by a private agency, PropheSee, between November 3 and December 26). If the alliance between the two AAP and Congress comes through after the election, it might tumble BJP’s apple cart.
According to a section of party leaders, the state unit has failed to set the agenda and is only reacting to the issues raised by the AAP. However, the saving grace for the party was Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s rally on Saturday, which, according to a senior leader, gave a “direction” to the “listless” state unit.
Many leaders complained the state unit has failed to highlight the achievements of the central government, such as legitimisation of unauthorised colonies, a major poll issue in Delhi. It has also failed to highlight issues concerning the common man such as water, electricity and corruption. The AAP has clearly taken a lead on this front.
Although the Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS) has deputed a pracharak (volunteer) for each Assembly constituency and a coordinator each for districts, there is not much enthusiasm among the cadres.
“There is not much enthusiasm among cadres as we had witnessed during the Lok Sabha elections. However, worker’s baithaks (meetings) are being organised boothwise. But then it was Modi mania which did the wonders in the last elections. One can’t expect it this time,” said a Delhi RSS leader, who did not want to be named.
The division in the state unit starts right from the grassroots level. “The selection of district presidents has only aggravated the divide. District presidents were selected on the basis of their equation with a few central leaders. Genuine workers were ignored,” said a miffed leader, hoping to become a district president. Obviously, the candidate selection would further deepen the divide, he added.
Insiders say BJP Delhi organising secretary Vijay Sharma and president Satish Upadhyaya are moving in different directions. Vijay Goel, Rajya Sabha MP, is largely inactive though he has considerable support base in some pockets. His rivals are wary that if he becomes active, he would demand his pound of flesh — the chief minister’s post — in case the party comes to power. Harsh Vardhan, Union Minister for science and technology, has also not been able to focus on Delhi due to his ministerial responsibilities.
There is a bitter race for the post of the chief minister in the party. As RSS is likely to play a major role in the selection of chief minister, Vardhan is cosying up to the Sangh. According to a political observer, his recent statements on ancient Hindu scientific wisdom and Ayurveda, which are music to RSS ears, should be viewed in this perspective. Some influential RSS leaders favour him. “How can you give everything to a single person? He was made the chief ministerial candidate last time, given a Lok Sabha ticket and made a minister. If he is made chief minister, it would be unfair,” said a person in his rival camp.
