That seems to be the dilemma for the Congress, as Dwarka readies for Assembly bypolls. The party has too many ticket-seekers to choose from
That seems to be the dilemma for the Congress, as Dwarka readies for Assembly bypolls. The party has too many ticket-seekers to choose from
It is the dry season for politics in the city. But there is one chance for those leaders who want to make it big Dwarka, the lone seat in Delhi that is going to the Assembly bypolls. The election will be held in this west Delhi seat on September 10.
A bastion of Congress MP from West Delhi constituency Mahabal Mishra, Dwarka has become a coveted pocket and is being eyed by candidates representing various communities, including Poorvanchalis, Jats and Punjabis.
Among the frontrunners are the son and brother of Mahabal Mishra, who is credited with a double whammy. He won from Punjabi-dominated West Delhi but is known for his Poorvanchali clout and has the support of people from Uttar Pradesh and Bihar, many of whom are settled in the area.
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However, the going may not be easy for Mishra's kin as dissident voices in the Congress may wave the nepotism flag against the leader. Maybe a reason why Punjabi candidate from this seat Sanjay Puri, ex-councillor of Janakpuri is also looking at a ticket. Interestingly, the Punjabis had supported the Congress during the last parliamentary polls.
Abha Chaudhary, president of Delhi Pradesh Mahila Congress, is also in the race. Waving the women rights flag, Chaudhary, a lawyer, was also a member of the Delhi Commission for Women. Among the other important candidates in the offing are councillors Pramod Kumar (Mangla Puri) and Tilotma Choudhary (Dabri). The ticket-seekers' list also includes AICC secretary Alka Lamba, Vijay Lochav, Chatar Sharma, Amit Malik, Kamal Kant Sharma and R Mani Naidu.
However, most of these candidates may not be considered as serious contenders. "Most Congress leaders, even if they have lost in Assembly and municipal elections, want to contest from this seat," said a Delhi Pradesh Congress Committee (DPCC) member, wishing anonymity.
But the final decision rests with Chief Minister Sheila Dikshit and DPCC President Jai Prakash Agarwal. Mishra and Sajjan Kumar will pitch in.
Poll dateline
According to an Election Commission notification, the bypolls will be held in Delhi on September 10. The notification for the polls will be issued on August 17.
The last date for filing nominations is August 24. Scrutiny of the nomination papers will be taken up on August 25 and the last date for withdrawal of candidature is August 27. Counting of votes will be held on September 14 and the election process will be completed by September 17.
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