This Article is From Feb 04, 2015

'In 1977, We Were an Ambassador Party,' Says Congress' Ajay Maken

Congress' Ajay Maken campaigning in Sadar Bazar on Tuesday.

New Delhi:

Ajay Maken, the Congress party's face in these Delhi elections, has made a comeback to Delhi politics after a decade.

A three-time legislator and a two-time member of Parliament, Mr Maken is a Delhi veteran. But he has a tough battle ahead in his newly adopted constituency -- Central Delhi's Sadar Bazaar.

In November 2013, the seat - a Congress stronghold -- was won by the Aam Admi Party. Now, with AAP still popular, the Congress is struggling to make its presence felt.

Every moment of Mr Maken's campaign was well choreographed.

As he arrived to start a padayatra in Shoba Colony, which comprises a mix of middle and low income groups, Congress supporters showered him with petals. Drumbeats added to the celebratory mood.

But the campaign is a low key affair - with a modest group of supporters walking door to door in search of votes.

A group of volunteers performed a street play, highlighting Delhi's progress under 15 years of Congress rule. "Opening new schools, colleges, higher pension for the elderly and environment friendly buses are all achievements of the Congress government," declares a young performer.

Yet, Delhi's three-time chief minister Sheila Dikshit is missing from the campaign material. "What we are promising is many more new things. As you rightly said, people are asking us why we could not do these in 15 years," countered Mr Maken.

As he moved on with his padayatra, we stepped aside to speak to the voters.

"Here the fight is between the BJP and the AAP," said Ramkesh, who runs a paan shop at Sarai Basti. His daughter, Anu, a graduate, added: "We have seen the Congress for 15 years and we have seen the BJP. Now, we want to give chance to AAP."

We ask why. "Because when they were in power, corruption had come down. Cops were scared to take bribes," she said.

Aware of the sense of anger, Mr Maken admitted the disparity in development in different parts of Delhi. "Fifteen years is a long time and huge anti-incumbency creeps in. We have an excellent metro, flyover, wide roads and power situation. But there is also disparity in terms of basic infrastructure and that needs to be looked at."

Sadar Bazaar, perhaps, best reflects this divide. Delhi Metro, a sign of progress, cuts through chaotic traffic and congested roads across residential colonies, jhuggi clusters and the trading hub.

At the Sadar Bazar wholesale market, an argument breaks out between a trader and his employee. "Kejriwal is a dharna master," said Sanjay Checker, a staunch BJP supporter.  His employee, Babu Lal, countered: "When the Andhra CM sits on a dharna, no one said anything. Modi government hasn't done anything so far."

What about the Congress? "They are not in any fight here!" both say in unison.

We move to another area, Inderlok. Sadar Bazar has nearly 15% Muslim votes and Inderlok is one such Muslim neighborhood. AAP has made inroads here but the Congress still has takers.

"I think this time, the Congress will get 24/25 seats," claimed a supporter. His friend disagreed. "If there is someone who needs to be given a chance, it is Kejriwal."

We quote a political joke to Mr Maken about Congress is now called an Innova party since all their MLAs (only eight) can fit into an Innova vehicle.  

"In 1977, we were reduced to 5 and at that time we were an ambassador party. We will bounce back. You can never write off a party," he shot back.

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