SUSHMA Swaraj was today unanimously elected leader of Delhi
BJP legislature party paving the way for her swearing in as
chief minister tomorrow replacing Sahib Singh Verma.
The name of Ms Swaraj, who has been called to lead the
party in next month's assembly elections amidst all-round
criticism of Verma government's performance, was proposed
by the outgoing chief minister at a meeting at the BJP
headquarters where Verma's supporters held noisy
demonstrations attacking the leadership. Announcing her
election, party spokesman M Venkiah Naidu told reporters
that the resolution electing Ms Swaraj as the new leader
would be communicated to Lt Governor Vijai Kapoor who would
initiate the process for her swearing in tomorrow.
Forty-six year-old Swaraj, who is the information and
broadcasting minister at the Centre holding additional
responsibility of communications portfolio, is expected to
resign from the Union Cabinet tomorrow.
Verma, who had initially declined to step down, submitted
his resignation to the Lt governor this morning. In a brief
address soon after her election, Ms Swaraj expressed
confidence that the party would not only retain power but
improve its performance in the election to the 70-member
assembly. The crucial legislature party meeting was held in
the presence of party president Kushabhau Thakre, Union
home minister L K Advani, parliamentary affairs minister
Madan Lal Khurana and Delhi BJP chief Mange Ram Garg.
Ms Swaraj said, the BJP government had fulfilled all the
promises made to the people during its five year rule as
against the 45 years of congress rule at the centre with no
major achievement. Seeking to boost the morale of the MLAs
and workers of the faction-ridden party, she said a new
thrust has to be given to win the confidence of the people
in the run up to the November 25 polls.
A visibly upset Sahib Singh Verma admitted that his
supporters were disappointed over his ouster.