Elections Likely For Delhi, All Parties Confirm They Cannot Form Government

The statement said Mr Jung had met leaders of the BJP, the Congress and the Aam Aadmi Party today to "explore the possibility of government formation" in Delhi.

Arvind Kejriwal of the Aam Aadmi Party was the last to meet the L-G at 6 pm, after he wrote to Mr Jung asking that their meeting be rescheduled. He had also written,"I am sure you would already have had a discussion with BJP, which is the single largest party. I would be grateful if you could tell us what is their "formal" stand on this issue."

After the meeting AAP leader Manish Sisodia said his party has sought fresh elections at the earliest. He said Mr Jung had told AAP that all parties want fresh elections.

The BJP, which is five seats short of a majority in the Delhi assembly, had informed Mr Jung this morning that it would not take a shot at forming government in Delhi. Prime Minister Narendra Modi and BJP  chief Amit Shah reportedly favour fresh elections in February.

PM Modi reportedly does not want his party to cobble together a majority to form a government in Delhi risking allegations of horse-trading. The party assesses in view of its recent wins in the national elections and in state elections in Maharashtra and neighbouring Haryana, it stands a good chance of winning a clean majority in fresh Delhi elections.  

This afternoon Mr Jung also met the Congress' Haroon Yusuf. Mr Yusuf said after the meeting, "The Congress wants fresh elections. Under the leadership of Soniaji and Rahulji, we will put up a strong fight in the elections in Delhi."

The L-G could now recommend dissolution of the assembly in Delhi, which has been under President's Rule since February this year, when Mr Kejriwal resigned after 49 days as chief minister.

Sources in the BJP said Mr Jung can recommend dissolving the assembly to the Centre, and the cabinet could then clear it. He also has the option of approaching the Supreme Court and informing it that it is not possible for any party to form government in Delhi and the court can decide next steps.

Last week the Supreme Court had said in strong words,"In a democracy, President's Rule cannot go on forever. The Lieutenant Governor should have taken a decision on government formation at the earliest instead of waiting for months." It ordered the L-G to decide by November 11.

If the Delhi assembly is dissolved, by-elections scheduled for November 25 to three assembly seats vacated by the BJP will be scrapped. But that would have to be done by Wednesday, the last date for filing of nominations for the by-polls.