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| Harsh Vardhan is BJP's choice |
| Harsh Vardhan is BJP's choice for Delhi chief minister
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| INDIA
, 23-October-2013
2:59:16 AM |
| Former health minister Harsh Vardhan has won an intense leadership battle within the BJP in Delhi to become the party's Chief Ministerial face for the December 4 polls in the capital.
The 58-year-old E.N.T specialist will be pitted against three-time Chief Minister Sheila Dikshit of the Congress and debutant Arvind Kejriwal of the Aam Aadmi Party (AAP).
Dr Harsh Vardhan, a four-time MLA who, as union Health Minister, played a large role in the national pulse polio campaign, trumped his party rival Vijay Goel, who fought bitterly for himself till he was brought on board.
Mr Goel was by Dr Harsh Vardhan's side all through a press meet addressed by party leaders Rajnath Singh and LK Advani to announce the decision. The show of unity continued as the new Chief Ministerial aspirant was felicitated with sweets and flowers by party leaders.
"The party has chosen Harsh Vardhan unanimously and Vijay Goel has accepted it. I have no doubt that we will not only win in Delhi but also have spectacular results in 2014 Lok Sabha polls," Mr Advani said after a meeting of the BJP's 12-member parliamentary board to endorse the decision.
The BJP's ideological mentor RSS is also believed to have thrown its weight behind Dr Harsh Vardhan, a Sangh member since he was a teenager.
The BJP leadership had reportedly worked hard to mollify Mr Goel, who was upset about losing out on the Chief Ministerial dream at a time the party sees its best chance of making a comeback to power after 15 years.
Harsh Vardhan's clean, non-controversial image was said to have tipped the balance in his favour as opposed to a leader like Mr Goel, who is largely seen as a combative leader linked to the party's more aggressive campaigns.
The BJP is banking on the mild-mannered doctor's appeal among citizens, especially in the urban pockets of Delhi, where the Congress and AAP have made a head start in campaigning.
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