Online edition of India's National Newspaper
Sunday, Apr 13, 2008
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Online edition of India's National Newspaper Sunday, Apr 13, 2008 ePaper | Mobile/PDA Version |
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New Delhi
Arun Jaitley NEW DELHI: While the Member of Parliament from South Delhi, Vijay Kumar Malhotra, and Delhi BJP president Harsh Vardhan have long been considered the Bharatiya Janata Party’s Chief Ministerial contenders , the name of the party general secretary and former Union Minister Arun Jaitley has also started doing the rounds now. The move, according to BJP insiders, is aimed at countering the appeal and charisma of Delhi Chief Minister Sheila Dikshit. By projecting Mr. Jaitley as the next prospective Chief Minister, the party would be trying to place someone equally suave to take on Ms. Dikshit, who would be bidding for a record third term in office later this year, they point out. And while Mr. Jaitley is understood to have the backing of senior party leader L. K. Advani for the new role, even party president Rajnath Singh is understood to be not opposed to the idea. According to political observers, Mr. Jaitley’s candidature is unlikely to be opposed by the other contenders. While Dr. Vardhan has the backing of the Sangh and is known for his hard work, sincerity and foresight -- he was instrumental in bringing the Pulse Polio programme to the country – the party has still not given any clear indications that he would be its next Chief Ministerial candidate. As for Prof. Malhotra, who a year ago during his 75th birthday celebration at Vithalbhai Patel House had announced that he would not be in the running for Chief Ministership, many in the party believe that he harbours the ambition which may be difficult for him to realise considering his age. Since the BJP lately has been following the policy of projecting Chief Ministerial candidates before hand -- as, for instance, was the case with Narendra Modi in Gujarat and Prem Kumar Dhumal in Himachal Pradesh -- a formal announcement of Mr. Jaitley’s name before the Delhi Assembly elections is very likely, insist insiders.
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