AAP down, Opposition smells blood in Delhi bypolls

If the disqualification of 20 AAP MLAs is not overturned by a court of law, bypolls to these seats have to be conducted within six months, a possibility that has enthused the Opposition. Delhi's ruling party seems down. Its MLAs faced the action because they were found holding offices of profit as parliamentary secretaries.

The BJP, with three MLAs, and the Congress, with none, have started planning to make the most of the chance thrown in their way by the Election Commission. The bypolls to the 20 seats provide a ready platform to both parties to improve their tallies.

The grand-old party has begun its legwork in the 20 Assembly constituencies. "All these are traditional Congress seats. We have chalked out a plan and have decided to hold workers' meet from January 28. We will visit all constituencies to discuss issues," said Ajay Maken, Delhi Pradesh Congress Committee chief.

Sources in Delhi BJP say that leaders from constituencies that may go to the polls started doing the rounds of the party office. While hectic strategising is on among BJP leaders, they claim that state BJP president Manoj Tewari has been holding closed-door meetings with confidants to finalise names of candidates.

CM Manish Sisodia tweeted an open letter to the people of Delhi, asking, "Is it justified to disqualify elected leaders in such an unconstitutional and illegal way?"