BJP yet to make up its mind on Delhi government formation

Confusion continues to persist over government formation in Delhi.

With Supreme Court coming down heavily on lieutenant governor Najeeb Jung for having failed to call the single largest party to form government, Jung is now expected to invite the BJP for government.

But BJP, which falls short of six seats to form government, is likely to take a moral stand and turn down lieutenant governor Najeeb Jung's invitation when it comes.

In all possibility, the national capital is inching closer to fresh polls. If the BJP decides to take fresh mandate, the elections will take place sometime early next year.

Delhi has been under President's Rule since February 14 after Arvind Kejriwal-led Aam Aadmi Party government resigned. Delhi assembly continues to remain in suspended animation since then. AAP now has 27 MLA and BJP and allies which earlier had 32 MLAs now have 29, after three of its MLAs won the Lok Sabha elections. Congress in the election was reduced to only eight seats.

BJP in December last year under the leadership of Harsh Vardhan took a moral stand and refused to form government for having failed to get the requisite numbers. It paved way for AAP to form government with outside support of the Congress.

The BJP leaders on Tuesday continued to take the same stand.

"We are ready for fresh elections in Delhi. We want the election to take place by February next year," said union minister and senior BJP leader and Venkaiah Naidu.

The state leadership continues to keep mum and said that it will wait for the LG's invitation before taking a decision on government formation.