Former Delhi Congress Chief Arvinder Singh Lovely’s BJP Candidacy: A Political Twist
Credit: Mint
29.04.2024: In a recent turn of events, former Delhi Congress chief Arvinder Singh Lovely’s resignation has sparked speculations of his potential candidature from East Delhi under the BJP banner. Asif Mohammad Khan, a former MLA from Congress, claimed that Lovely is set to replace the current BJP candidate in East Delhi, Harsh Malhotra.
Khan’s statement, made shortly after Lovely’s resignation, highlights internal rifts within the party. He criticized Lovely’s public resignation, suggesting it could benefit the BJP. Khan expressed confidence that Lovely would be announced as the BJP candidate in the coming days.
Lovely’s resignation from the Delhi Congress leadership was attributed partly to the party’s alliance with AAP, a decision he opposed. In his resignation letter to Congress president Mallikarjun Kharge, Lovely voiced discontent over decisions being overridden by higher-ups.
The political landscape in Delhi has been tense, with Congress facing dissent over candidate choices like Kanhaiya Kumar in North East Delhi and Udit Raj in North West Delhi. This discord led to protests by Delhi Congress workers, emphasizing the preference for local candidates.
Lovely’s history includes a brief stint with the BJP in 2017 before returning to Congress. His criticisms extend to Congress candidates praising Delhi CM Arvind Kejriwal, adding fuel to internal disagreements.
This development marks a significant shift in Delhi’s political dynamics, with Lovely’s potential entry into the BJP fold reshaping electoral strategies in East Delhi, a constituency he contested in the 2019 elections.