Bjp To Control Prices In Delhi With Eye On Polls

Having calculated that winning the Delhi assembly elections will be crucial for the Vajpayee government's image, the BJP has begun its countdown well in advance. The elections are likely to be held in November.

The party has decided to ask its rank and file to go to the people. The party also plans to take all measures to control prices of essential commodities in the capital. Central and state party leaders have decided to procure essential commodities, particularly onions, potatoes and pulses from other states to control prices in Delhi.

Despite claims of central party leaders that the recent price increase was seasonal and would come down, they continue to be exorbitant in Delhi. Onions are still being sold in the open market at Rs 25 per kg.

These items are now likely to be sold to at a subsidised rate through various outlets of Super Bazar and Mother Dairy. As per the tentative plan, the government plans to procure onions from Maharashtra and green vegetables from Himachal Pradesh.

The party has already started identifying the storage godowns. Godowns in neighbouring states are also likely to be identified. The contingency plan is likely to come into force in a fortnight.

Party leaders are also contemplating a crackdown on hoarders. The BJP has asked partymen to identify hoarders so that the government can take immediate action.

The details of the BJP's election strategy for Delhi is slated to be delineated at the party's two-day training camp at Jhinjhouli (Haryana) from Saturday. About 400 leaders from the party's Delhi unit, including those in the state government, will attend the camp. Party president Kushabhau Thakre and Union home minister L K Advani are likely to address the meetings.

The training camp is likely to direct the cadre to go to each locality and identify problems that need immediate attention from the government. Already, Advani has been trying to better the state's law and order situation.