New Delhi: Three prominent leaders, who contested the last Lok Sabha polls on AAP and Congress tickets, are in touch with BJP to switch side. Delhi BJP sources claimed that two leaders from AAP and one from Congress are in touch with the party after the Union government’s decision to scrap Jammu and Kashmir’s special status.
A Delhi BJP insider said that the three leaders were fielded by their respective parties from separate Lok Sabha constituencies in the city, but lost to their BJP rivals.
“They expressed their eagerness to join the party post Article 370 abrogation by the Modi government. These leaders contested the Lok Sabha polls from separate constituencies in Delhi and lost with big margins. They are now in touch with BJP and showing interest in joining the party,” he added.
After a failed attempt at stitching a pre-poll alliance for the Lok Sabha elections, Congress and AAP fielded candidates on all the seven seats here.
“Apart from their appreciation for Prime Minister Narendra Modi for the way he ended the special status of Jammu and Kashmir by scrapping Article 370, these three leaders have also been impressed by BJP’s massive victory in the Lok Sabha polls this year,” said a senior Delhi BJP leader, who is in touch with the trio.
They had contested the Lok Sabha polls from South, Northwest, and West Delhi seats, he said, adding that they may join BJP after its national leadership gives a green signal.
“Two of them had contested the Lok Sabha polls on the AAP ticket while one was fielded by Congress,” he added.
The Delhi BJP sources claimed that led by Manoj Tiwari, the party has managed to make inroads into the Purvanchal, which was considered AAP bastion.
“It also acted as another reason behind the three leaders’ decision to switch sides and join BJP,” they said.
In the run up to the Assembly polls, scheduled early next year, the Delhi BJP has reportedly added around 17 lakh new members with its leaders claiming that it will be a major strength for the party as it looks to upstage AAP in the national capital.
