The clouds of uncertainty seem to be clearing over Delhi with Supreme Court welcoming Lieutenant Governor Najeeb Jung’s stand towards government formation. The Centre had told the Apex Court that President Pranab Mukherjee has given his nod to Jung’s proposal to invite the single largest party in Delhi Assembly for government formation. Considering that President’s rule in Delhi expires only on 17th February, there is enough lead time for the Election Commission to hold fresh polls in the event of a failed effort in government formation. The capital has been without an elected government for eight months after Aam Admi Party led by former revenue services’ man Arvind Kejriwal won the elections riding on the crest of anti-corruption campaign and ruled Delhi for just 49 days. After the controversy over the passing of controversial Jan Lokpal bill, Kejriwal resigned on 14th February over lack of support from the Congress and the BJP on the Bill. The proposed Jan Lokpal Bill, has been the clarion call for the Aam Aadmi Party since the very beginning, setting a foundation stone to the party’s manifesto during the Delhi Assembly elections in 2013. With most of the political parties adopting a cautious stand, especially BJP after its fresh mandate In Haryana and Maharashtra victories, are maintaining a wait and watch policy. During all this commotion Congress maintained a distance. Supreme Court had questioned the Centre and Lt Governor’s decision on delaying elections. BJP has been cautious from the beginning on the government formation and the current party position does not favour it to form government of its own. BJP and its allies have 29 seats, Aam Admi Party 27, Congress 8, Janta Dal (U) 1 and others 2 in the 70-member Assembly. With three seats up for elections BJP needs five more seats to cross the halfway mark. Even if BJP wins the entire three seats still it is short by four to get a full majority. Under these circumstance fresh elections is the best option.
