Surprise choice

In recent years, the BJP has developed a knack for springing a surprise while selecting chief ministers. Delhi is no exception. The party has picked first-time MLA and former councillor Rekha Gupta, dashing the hopes of prominent aspirants like ex-MP Parvesh Verma and three-time MLA Vijendra Gupta. The choice bears the Sangh stamp — Rekha cut her political teeth on the platform of the ABVP, the RSS-affiliated student organisation. The BJP is expecting her to go all out to implement the women-centric schemes spelt out in the party manifesto. These schemes, including the monthly aid of Rs 2,500 each for Delhi’s women — Rs 400 more than what the Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) promised — played a key role in the BJP’s remarkable victory. The decision to choose a lesser-known face underscores the party’s strategy to sideline heavyweights, who might become too big for their boots if they are given the all-important chair.

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Parvesh, son of former Delhi CM Sahib Singh Verma, presumed that he had done enough to bag the top post when he defeated AAP supremo Arvind Kejriwal. Vijendra, who has now been elected Speaker of the Legislative Assembly, was also fancying his chances after achieving a hat-trick of wins. Both have no option now but to help the CM run the government smoothly, thanks to the party top brass’ ability to nip discord in the bud.

The template of preferring a low-profile, compliant CM has been tried out by the BJP with success in several states, such as Chhattisgarh, Rajasthan, Madhya Pradesh, Gujarat and Haryana. Yogi Adityanath is a rare one who can hold his own before PM Narendra Modi and Home Minister Amit Shah, even as party chief JP Nadda himself remains relegated to the shadows. An impression has gained ground that double-engine governments are being run largely from the Capital. The Rekha Gupta-led dispensation is set to take the same route. And there will be no scope for excuses if the new Delhi government fails to meet the people’s great expectations.