Not to stake claim for govt formation, BJP to sit in opposition: Vardhan

The party emerges as the single largest party in the Delhi Assembly, winning 31 seats

The Bharatiya Janata Party's (BJP's) chief ministerial candidate Harsh Vardhan on Sunday said he would not stake claim to form a government in Delhi, as his party is short of a clear majority and would prefer to sit in the opposition than "horse trading".

The BJP emerged as the single largest party in the Delhi Assembly, winning 31 seats and falling short of the majority mark of 36 in a House of 70.

"I don't know what's going to happen but I am finding myself in a helpless sort of situation, where I had promised to deliver a transparent administration. Since I do not have the number, I cannot stake my claim in forming the government in Delhi. But I will continue to serve the people with utmost dedication and sincerity. And, honestly, I think selflessly, I prefer to sit in the opposition, trying to help any government that is there in the offing by anyone and support them for people's cause," he said.

Vardhan said as far he was concerned, he was not going to persuade anybody or directly or indirectly indulge in anything that would be termed horse trading. "So, at the moment, I am contacting and thanking people, preparing myself to help them while sitting in the opposition. I cannot think of anything else."