Delhi looks set for central rule as BJP, AAP fail to get majority

Delhi is all set to be in the centre's fold with Arvind Kejriwal's Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) winning 28 seats in Delhi and leaving only eight seats to the Congress, while at the same time spoiling the chances of  opposition Bharatiya Janata Party's chances to form government in the national capital.

The BJP, which bagged 32 seats, needs 3 more seats to register a majority in the 70-member Delhi Assembly but is unlikely to reach that figure even with the support of all the three elected independent candidates.

While the BJP is finding it hard to get the required numbers, Arvind Kejriwal has ruled out any possibility of forming an alliance to form the next government in Delhi.

Of the three independents one seat has gone to the candidate supported by JD(U) and one to the Akali Dal, which is an ally of the BJP.

Given the composition of the house, it seems Delhi is heading towards President's rule as the BJP, which has bagged highest number of seats, is unlikely to muster enough support to form a government.

Dr Harsh Vardhan, BJP's chief ministerial candidate, yesterday said he will not stake claim to form a government as his party is short of a clear majority and would prefer to sit in the opposition than indulging in any "horse trading".

"...Since I don't have number I cannot stake my claim in forming my government in Delhi...Since I don't have the magic number of 36, I really cannot be a part of the government formation in Delhi.

Kejriwal who defeated three-time Delhi Chief Minister Sheila Dikshit in New Delhi constituency with a whopping 25,864 votes, said: "This isn't my victory. It's a victory of the people of the New Delhi constituency and victory of democracy."