As Delhi stares at polls again,L-G invites Harsh Vardhan to discuss govt formation

Asked if the BJP would attempt to form a minority government in Delhi,Harsh Vardhan remained tight lipped. “I do not know what the agenda is,so it will be inappropriate to talk about this. This will become clear only tomorrow,” Harsh Vardhan said.

The BJP has reiterated that it would not stake claim to form the government in Delhi since it did not have the mandate. If Harsh Vardhan declines,Jung may offer the AAP a chance. However,AAP’s Arvind Kejriwal has also refused to form a government,saying he too did not have the mandate.

Earlier in the day,President Pranab Mukherjee sought information about government formation in Delhi from Jung. Sources said Mukherjee had asked Jung about the next step in Delhi. Jung is learnt to have held consultations with experts after the election results were notified on Tuesday.

Senior officials said Jung had accepted Sheila Dikshit’s resignation as Chief Minister,thus completing the first step in forming the new government.

Over the last few days,the BJP and the AAP have communicated to their MLAs and losing candidates to prepare for fresh elections. While the BJP and AAP have 32 and 28 seats respectively,the Congress plummeted from 43 seats to eight. The JD (U) and an Independent won a seat each. If President’s rule is imposed,then the Lt-Governor will run the government with the help of a group of advisors.

Incidentally,the Congress on Tuesday had offered unconditional outside support to the AAP and help them form the government,which the AAP flatly declined. While the Congress cited not wanting to burden citizens with another election for the move,the AAP claimed that “only the people” would decide the next government.

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