NEW DELHI: The Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) has raised concerns over the BJP’s delay in naming a chief minister candidate, accusing the party of lacking leadership and a vision for the capital’s future. At a press conference, outgoing chief minister Atishi criticised the BJP for failing to announce a CM or cabinet following the Feb 8 poll results.
“It’s been 10 days since the results were declared and the BJP still has not named its CM. It’s clear they have no face to run Delhi,” Atishi said.
She added that Prime Minister Narendra Modi likely does not trust any of the 48 BJP MLAs in Delhi and accused the party of having no concrete plan for governance.
Former minister Gopal Rai also questioned the BJP’s internal divisions, suggesting that history could repeat itself with multiple chief ministers in the next five years, as seen during the previous BJP government in the capital.
“The BJP is struggling to choose a leader and this indecision shows deep internal divisions. We could see three different CM’s in the next five years,” he said. Rai reiterated that AAP would act as a strong opposition to hold the BJP accountable for its promises.
He accused the BJP of using tactics to manipulate the campaign but said the people of Delhi stood with AAP despite the party’s power.
“Despite the difference in seat numbers, AAP will stand with the people and challenge the BJP,” he added.
Rai also suggested that internal power struggles within the BJP would create difficulties for whoever is chosen as CM.
“Whoever becomes CM will face resistance from other factions within the BJP,” he said.
Meanwhile, Delhi BJP president Virendra Sachdeva criticised Atishi for allegedly undermining the dignity of her office, both as chief minister and now as acting chief minister, through reckless statements.
Sachdeva pointed out that when Atishi was first appointed CM, an empty chair was placed next to her, and AAP supremo Arvind Kejriwal referred to her as a “temporary CM,” which he said disrespected the position.
He questioned why she is now concerned about the CM role when the office was left leaderless for five months during Kejriwal’s jail term without her raising any issues.