Other States
-
New Delhi
Rush at Cong. office for ticket forms
By Our Staff Reporter
NEW DELHI, JAN. 22. The unprecedented rush at the Delhi Pradesh Congress Committee office is a clear indication of which way the wind is blowing. On the last date of distribution of application forms for those wanting to contest the civic body polls, the Talkatora office of the party wore a festive look as prospective candidates grappled with each other to either deposit or get a new set of forms.
A huge cavalcade of vehicles virtually choked all the roads leading to the DPCC office. The enthusiasm, especially at a time when the outcome of the polls is uncertain, was remarkable. And the person enjoying it the most was the DPCC president, Subhash Chopra. Surrounded by close lieutenants including spokesman, Mukesh Sharma, and a large number of ticket seekers, everyone was making a beeline for Mr. Chopra's office to seek his blessings. And not to be left behind, the women ticket seekers jostled to deposit the forms and meet the DPCC chief. They reminded him about the promise to give adequate representation to women.
Mr. Chopra said he had not seen such enthusiasm among workers and it was heartening to note that people were once again coming back to the Congress fold under the leadership of Sonia Gandhi. He indicated that the last date for depositing the forms was likely to be extended by another day. On the other hand, in view of the unprecedented rush, the party was forced to open six counters. Even the DPCC secretary, Pramod Kumar, had to take care of one counter.
Mr. Chopra said more than 5,000 forms had been distributed. Stating that the BJP was completely unnerved, Mr. Chopra exuded confidence that elections would be held as per schedule, despite attempts by BJP leaders to get them postponed. He was critical of the Union Home Ministry for having failed to respond to the request of the Delhi Home Secretary for deployment of adequate security forces for the conduct of smooth polls on February 21. ``The BJP will have to pay heavily if it attempts to derail the democratic process. They just cannot deny the electorate their right.''
Compared to the melee at the DPCC office, the BJP office at Pant Marg wore a deserted look, with only a handful of workers and leaders sitting in the garden. The infighting has already taken its toll and a sense of insecurity prevails among the party workers and leaders. While the Delhi BJP chief, Mange Ram Garg, is in favour of continuation of the rotation system, his party Councillors and certain senior colleagues have favoured freezing of rotation.
However, the BJP leaders said the deserted look did not convey that their morale was down. They argued that while the Congress had started the process only a few days ago, they had completed the exercise at the block and district level weeks ahead and now only a final decision needs to be taken. ``We are not like the Congress. We are a much organised party and everything here is done in a coordinated and in a disciplined manner. We do not indulge in dramatics,'' remarked Mr. Garg.
Send this article to Friends by
E-Mail
Other States
|
