Dikshit startles own party on BJP bid to form Delhi govt

Congress says it is the former chief minister's personal opinion

Congress leader and former chief minister Sheila Dikshit on Thursday supported the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP)’s bid to form a government in Delhi. Her party said it was her opinion.

“In a democracy, elected governments are always good as they represent the people. If the BJP has reached a situation that it can form a government, it is good for Delhi,” said Dikshit, who has just returned to the capital after resigning as Kerala governor.

Congress’ communication chief Ajay Maken posted on Twitter: “Dikshit comments may be her opinion.”

Shakeel Ahmed, Congress general-secretary in-charge of Delhi, said the party did not support the BJP’s bid to form a government as it did not have a majority.

The Congress has accused the BJP of horse-trading. The attacks have become sharper after Delhi Lieutenant Governor Najeeb Jung wrote to President Pranab Mukherjee requesting permission to invite the BJP to form government.

Dikshit added: “It is yet to be seen how the government is formed and what challenges will be there for a minority government.”

Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) chief Arvind Kejriwal defeated three-time chief minister Dikshit. He replaced her as chief minister. Through the election campaign, Dikshit had dismissed the prospects of AAP.

Later, she confessed it was her and the party’s inability to gauge the nascent AAP that had led to the defeat. Though no party could gain a clear majority in the polls, AAP formed a government in Delhi with the help from the Congress, much against Dikshit’s wishes.

Delhi Congress spokesperson Mukesh Sharma said: “We are shocked by Dikshit's statement.”