Independent MLA Rambir Shokeen seen talking to his supporters after his victory in Delhi polls
Rambir Shokeen, the lone Independent legislator in the New Delhi Assembly, has an open offer. His support in government formation in return for the deputy chief minister's post.
This offer, says the Mundka MLA, is for any party that attempts to form a government in Delhi, which has voted in a hung Assembly, handing the BJP 31 seats and Arvind Kejriwal's Aam Aadmi Party 28. At least 36 MLAs are needed for a clear majority in the 70-seat Assembly.
Mr Shokeen is willing to negotiate on the terms of his offer, he says. If the BJP's prime ministerial candidate Narendra Modi makes a call to him. An avowed Modi fan, Mr Shokeen says he will not press to be made Deputy CM if it's Mr Modi's wish that he support the BJP.
"If Modi asks me to support the BJP and I will do so without the post because I am a Modi fan," he says.
The MLA admits that he has received no call from the BJP yet.
Neither the BJP nor AAP has so far indicated that it can make up the deficit an stake claim. Mr Shokeen's solo offer is unlikely to help either party.