Vijay Goel: Happy with BJP’s decision to nominate Vardhan

Delhi BJP president Vijay Goel, who had projected himself as a Chief Ministerial contender, on Wednesday said he was “happy” with party’s decision to nominate Harsh Vardhan for the post and will continue to work hard to ensure BJP’s victory in the Assembly polls. “I am happy that the Parliamentary Board has decided to project Harsh Vardhan as party’s chief ministerial candidate. I am going to work hard to ensure our victory,” Mr. Goel said.

Describing himself as a “discipline soldier” of the party, the former Union Minister said the party will put up a united fight to defeat the Congress government. “I am not disappointed at all. We all are united. I will put all my effort for our victory,” he said.

Mr. Goel was present at a press conference at the BJP headquarters here when party president Rajnath Singh announced Dr. Vardhan’s candidature for the top post. Last week, Mr. Goel had projected himself as party’s most popular face as chief ministerial candidate citing results of various opinion polls

Mr. Goel had met BJP president Rajnath Singh and Narendra Modi on Sunday and opposed any move to make Dr. Vardhan the Chief Ministerial candidate. The rumblings in the party following Mr. Goel’s open assertion that he was the most suitable candidate for the post had angered a number of senior Delhi leaders who had thrown their weight behind Dr. Vardhan.

Mr. Goel is not known to have a cordial relationship with Dr. Vardhan.