Cong. faction fight set to escalate

By Our Staff Reporter

NEW DELHI, MARCH 25.

The factional war in the Delhi Congress(I) which was quite evident during the first three days of the Budget session of the Delhi Assembly is expected to escalate with the date for filling of nominations for elections to the three House Committees fixed for March 26 by the Speaker, Chaudhary Prem Singh.

In fact, elections to the three House Committees last year had witnessed a bitter power struggle between rebels and the loyalists. The situation had deteriorated to such an extent that the party high command had to intervene but could not prevent holding of elections which were pressed for by the dissident camp. This had led to a virtual war between the two factions inside and outside the House during the Budget session.

The situation is no better this time as the Congress(I) stands totally divided. The equations have not changed much and once again it is expected that the rebels will press for getting their people nominated to the three House Committees. The Chief Minister was able to get her own loyal MLAs nominated as Chairmen of these three Committees last year. With the Speaker announcing the schedule for elections, hectic consultations are on among various groups on how to deal with the situation.

Insiders in the party informed that the matter is likely to be taken up with the AICC(I) general secretary and incharge Delhi, Mr. Kamal Nath, by both factions. Although, the leaders have maintained that things would be sorted out, nothing of this sort is expected to happen unless the high command intervenes. Mr. Nath, known as a no nonsense man, is likely to hold talks with both factions and impress upon them the need to avert elections at this stage. It is learnt that the leaders are of the view that at a time when the party is supposed to take on the BJP, it should not be seen squabbling over petty matters.

It is understood the rebel camp is pressing for getting a number of their MLAs nominated to the three House Committees. Their argument is that the loyalists have had their stint and now it is their turn to hold office and the Chief Minister should have no problem on this account. But Ms. Dikshit is expected to seek equal representation for both factions and is pressing for a compromise. The idea is avoid a struggle within the party and not let the BJP take advantage of the situation.

At the same time, the issue of nominating nine Chairpersons for the District Development Committee's is also high on the party's agenda. The term of the present DDCs, loaded with loyalists, is set to expire on March 31 and new people have to be appointed. This issue is also likely to figure at the meeting with Mr. Nath. Here the Chief Minister would be in a fix as she would have to nominate some from the rebel camp, as her own men have already served their terms, and the MLAs left out in certain areas are only from the rebel group.

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