BJP tickets only for ‘winnable’ candidates

The BJP has started surveys to pick ‘winnable’ candidates for the April 23 municipal elections. To keep the procedure transparent, two private agencies have been hired from outside Delhi for the selection process.

A party insider said the study to find out winnability of various candidates who have applied for tickets is simultaneously being conducted by the Central and state leadership.

The survey, started on Thursday, will continue for the next five days. He said final distribution of ticket will be done following a scrutiny of both survey reports on or after March 28.

“More than 33,000 applications from ticket hopefuls have been received till March 20. After a preliminary screening, 15 names were selected from each ward. After further deliberation and discussion, the party zeroed in on four probables from each ward. Finally, a list of around 1,100 ticket seekers was sent to the surveying agency,” said the official.

A party functionary said the surveyors are visiting each ward and talking to Residents Welfare Associations (RWAs), market or traders bodies, and also seeking reviews from party workers.

“The assessment of potential candidate is based on three points— candidate’s image, popularity in the area and chances of success. It is also checked whether he/she is a known face and is liked by the residents or not. Basically, the purpose of the whole exercise is to verify support and acceptability of an individual among residents,” he added. PARVEZ SULTAN