BJP trying to mollify dissidents who didn't get poll ticket

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Press Trust of India New Delhi
Last Updated : Nov 09 2013 | 7:57 PM IST
BJP today said it is in talks with party leaders who are disgruntled and were denied tickets in Delhi assembly elections and is confident of containing the losses caused by rebellion as well as the rise of Aam Admi Party.
Leader of the Opposition in Rajya Sabha Arun Jaitley told reporters that the margin of loss against Congress in 2008 was only 2 per cent and the "double anti-incumbency" against the ruling party- in the state and the country- will help BJP achieve victory.
Senior BJP leaders, including Jaitley, V K Malhotra and Vijay Goel have talked to those unhappy with the ticket distribution. While Malhotra held a meeting with Hari Nagar MLA Harsharan Singh Balli, Jaitley tried to pacify former Delhi Mayor Savita Gupta today. Gupta has already cooled down.
However, Balli is still angry with BJP and may contest as an independent candidate from Hari Nagar. BJP is apprehensive that due to his hold over the constituency, even if Balli fails to win he will cause considerable damage to ally Shiromani Akali Dal which is contesting the seat.
Jaitley claimed winnability has been the criteria followed in distribution of tickets. He defended BJP's decision to give four seats to Akalis as their votes can swing the outcome in their favour in several seats. SAD commands around 2.5 per cent votes.
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First Published: Nov 09 2013 | 7:57 PM IST

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