Delhi govt formation: AAP's sting dims chances of new govt without repoll

NEW DELHI: Chances of a new government being formed in the capital without a re-election look bleak after AAP's sting 

Although it doesn't have a majority, BJP has always maintained that 'all options are open'. LG Najeeb Jung's report to the President indicating the possibility of government formation in Delhi had led to speculation that BJP, which is the single largest party in the Delhi assembly, will finally take a shot at power. With most MLAs said to be against a re-election so soon, BJP could have sustained a minority government and strengthened its base in the city. 
operation on Delhi BJP vice-president Sher Singh Dagar. BJP, which has not clarified its stand on forming the government, will now find it difficult to stake a claim. Party sources said any attempt to cobble together a majority will leave it open to attack from AAP and Congress.
The sting reportedly shows Dagar trying to bribe AAP MLAs to resign from the assembly. The resignations would have not only reduced AAP's strength in the assembly but also brought down the majority mark. Delhi BJP president Satish Upadhyay said the sting doesn't affect his party's position but others in the party said that any attempt to form a government now will hurt its image.

"Our stand is the same. We are exploring all possibilities. We will decide on the issue after we get an invitation from the LG. So far, we have not received it. A decision will be taken keeping the interest of Delhiites in mind. We don't want Delhiites to suffer. Development work has been on hold for the past one year,'' said Upadhyay.

Senior leaders said BJP's position will become clearer after Tuesday's hearing in the Supreme Court. BJP MPs in Delhi have already told the party high command to consider a re-election. "There is no way we can form the government, as we don't have the numbers. We have told our seniors that BJP should consider re-election. We have already turned down the offer to form the government once,'' said an MP.

Upadhyay is likely to meet senior party leaders in the next few days to discuss the future course of action.

Sources say that even if BJP doesn't form the government in the capital, a re-election is likely only in January next year.