Nitin Gadkari rules out BJP forming state government in Delhi before elections

BJP on Wednesday ruled out formation of government by it in Delhi and said there is neither any proposal nor any discussion in this regard.

"We are not forming a government in Delhi," Union Transport Minister Nitin Gadkari said refuting reports of BJP working out plans for government-formation.

"There is no proposal to form a government in Delhi nor any discussion," he said when asked if his party is holding discussions to form a government.

BJP declined to form a government in Delhi after it failed to get majority with 32 MLAs in the 70-member assembly in December last year.

Debutant Aam Aadmi Party (AAP), which had stunned many by its grand performance, emerged the second largest party by bagging 28 seats and formed a government with Congress help that lasted for 49 days before Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal resigned putting an end to his roller coaster ride in power. Ever since Kejriwal's resignation, Delhi is under President's Rule.

Sources say the view within BJP is not in favour of forming a government through horse trading as it will give a bad name to the party which has swept to power at the Centre under Narendra Modi.

However, party spokesperson Capt Abhimanyu said an elected government is a "better alternative" to deal with and resolve problems of people of Delhi and the party "can explore the options available" if some legislators or party lends its support to it.

"To be able to deal with the problems faced by the people of Delhi, an elected government is a better alternative any day.

"To tackle all the problems faced by people of Delhi, an elected government is a good alternative and if some legisltors or some party come up to support BJP, then BJP can explore the options available in order to give a good government to Delhi," he said.