Party president Rajnath Singh kicked off the campaign with a speech at a function today.

Dr Harsh Vardhan, head of the state BJP, said the party has started an effective strategy of preparations for the forthcoming Assembly and Lok Sabha elections. The Election Manifesto Committee, Election Propaganda Committee and other committees shall also be framed soon, he said.

The Election Committee has leaders from the MCD as members, indicating the party could have decided to go ahead with tickets to councillors. Newsline had earlier reported the party could go ahead with tickets for the councillors. The top leadership of the MCD has been made a part of the committee with the Chairman of the standing committee Vijender Gupta, Mayor Arti Mehra, Leader of the house Subhash Arya and Yogender Chandolia as members.

Harshvardhan said the process of selecting candidates for Delhi Assembly elections will begin soon. He added, “Only those people shall be given tickets who are committed to party policy.” The main criteria, however, for the selection of candidates will be their winnability and popularity in their areas.

The party has decided to start the election campaign in an aggressive manner by making price rise the main issue, sources say. Workers have been sensing a victory after 10 years and the party wants to cash in.

“Ten years of atrocities on the people by the Congress, spiralling prices, allegations of horse- trading during the trust vote, terrorism, corruption, sealing and demolition will be the main issues during the elections,” said Harshvardhan.