MCD polls: BJP's plan to field fresh faces may trigger defections

Resentment brewing among a section of sitting BJP councillors over the party's decision to field only fresh faces in the MCD polls, may trigger defection by a couple of them from the party's ranks, sources said on Thursday.

The civic polls are due on April 22 and some of the leaders in all three BJP-ruled municipal corporations -- NDMC, SDMC and EDMC -- have contested that the strategy must be a "mix of experienced hands and fresh blood".

"While we respect the decision taken by our party's high command, it would have been better if some of the old councillors were also included along with new faces for candidacy. "Many of these councillors have served for decades and are a household name in their areas. In a local election like that of the MCD, a known face is very important, as new faces will not be able to connect in short period," the source said.

It said "resentment is brewing" among a section of councillors, though "many would not express it openly" as it would mean going against the party line. "Some of the councillors are feeling disgruntled, including those who had fought the last election as independent candidates, and joined the party (BJP) later. Two or three of them are contemplating defecting to other parties," the source added.

A senior BJP leader and a councillor, who did not wish to be named, said, "We respect the party's decision, as it must have been taken with a certain thinking." He, however, said, "We have served the party for several years and thank the party for the opportunity it gave us to serve the people," indicating simmering rancour among the senior ranks.

Another senior BJP leader and a councillor, who did not wish to be named, also said, "It would have been better if it had been a mix of experienced hands and fresh blood." "Even if a new candidate wins the election, they would need several years to understand the system. We have already walked the road, and so our administrative experience and familiarity among the people, would have only benefited the corporation.

Asked, how will it affect the outcome of the polls, he said, "The outcome would be decided only by the voters." Out of 272 wards, NDMC and SDMC have 104 seats each while EDMC has 64. "We (BJP) have 153 seats out of the 272, and a major decision from the Delhi High Court is due today on rotation of the reserved seats in MCD wards. Let the verdict come, then only I can say anything further," he said.