The list of Congress candidates for December 4 polls reflects the meticulous planning by the party to retain power in the Capital. Poll analysts, however, said despite taking into account critical factors, there are few exceptions with the party nominating six candidates who had lost earlier the elections. Party sources said they were given tickets as there were no suitable alternatives in their place. The candidates of Shakur Basti and Karol Bagh had lost twice while it has fielded comparatively weak candidates from Matia Mahal, Krishna Nagar, Babarpur, Moti Nagar, Shalimar Bagh and Delhi Cantt.
Fact is there are no issues in these constituencies. Most MlAs have been retaining their seats for the last 15-20 years. “Whether it is price rise, shortage of water, inflated power tariff or any other issue, people go with Congress during elections,” said former AICC secretary Jai Kishan, who represents Sultanpur Majra Assembly seat. Interestingly, Gandhi Nagar Assembly seat, which has only one per cent Sikh voters has Congress leader and
Urban Development Minister Arvinder Singh lovely winning from here for four consecutive terms. The electors’ profile of the seat is in favour of Congress because Muslims and SC support. According to PWD Minister Raj Kumar Chauhan, an MlA from Mangolpuri, voters’ profile is in favour of Congress party and it is not easy for BJP to win at least in resettlement colonies and reserved seat. Meanwhile BJP is also hoping to dent Congress stronghold due to price rise and other issues related to aam admi.
Congress strategists are also working to attract those seats where Dalits and Muslims constitute 30 per cent of the total votes and this would prove to be a potent combination at the hustings. Congress had won in these seats in 2008 too as Dalits and Muslims voted for its candidates. It lost only in constituencies where Muslim votes were divided.
The arithmetic this time around may work in the favour of the ruling party as its poll managers are burning midnight oil to wean this formidable combination into its fold. Poll analysts also say that the Congress has fielded weak candidates from Matia Mahal, Krishna Nagar, Babarpur, Moti Nagar, Shalimar Bagh and Delhi Cantt. The candidature of Madan Khorwal from Karol Bagh also raised eyebrows as he had lost twice. The nomination of Dr SC Vats from Shakur Basti also raised question in political circles as he had managed his ticket despite strong protest within the party forum.