New Delhi, Feb 3 (PTI) – On the last day of campaigning for the Delhi Assembly elections, the Congress launched a fierce attack on both the ruling Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) and the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP), positioning itself as the only viable alternative to restore Delhi’s lost glory under the late Sheila Dikshit’s leadership.
Senior Congress leaders, in a high-voltage press conference, criticized the Kejriwal-led government over alleged governance failures, financial mismanagement, and corruption. They also accused the BJP of suppressing opposition-ruled states and neglecting the concerns of Delhi’s marginalized communities.
A Battle to Reclaim Delhi’s Developmental Legacy
Delhi Congress chief Devender Yadav framed the election as a battle to reclaim the city's past developmental trajectory under Sheila Dikshit. He accused AAP of letting the city’s infrastructure collapse, citing deteriorating water quality, crumbling roads, and neglected public services."This election is about bringing back the Delhi that Sheila Dikshit built – a city with world-class roads, clean water, and efficient governance," Yadav asserted.
AAP’s Education, Healthcare Model Under Fire
Congress candidate Sandeep Dikshit, contesting from the New Delhi constituency, launched a sharp attack on AAP’s claims of revolutionizing education and healthcare in the capital. He accused the Kejriwal government of excessive self-promotion rather than delivering tangible results."The AAP boasts about its education and health models, but when questioned, they remain silent. They are simply awarding themselves titles without any real basis," he said.
He also targeted the much-publicized Mohalla Clinics, stating that they failed during the COVID-19 pandemic. "These clinics couldn’t even administer vaccines properly during the crisis. If they couldn't handle a basic vaccination drive, what kind of healthcare are they providing?" he questioned.
Kejriwal’s Anti-Corruption Stand “Exposed”
Former MP Udit Raj accused Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal of betraying the anti-corruption movement that initially catapulted him to power."He started his career chanting anti-corruption slogans but has now become the face of corruption in Delhi," Raj alleged, claiming that both the AAP and BJP had turned the election into a money-driven contest.
Allegations of Vote Buying
Congress leaders further alleged that both rival parties were engaging in unethical practices to sway voters."I have never seen an election in Delhi where money, posters, shoes, and gifts are being openly distributed to buy votes. While other parties talk about price (daam), Congress is talking about work (kaam),” a senior leader remarked.
BJP Accused of Being Anti-Dalit
Udit Raj also took aim at the BJP, accusing it of disrespecting Dr. B.R. Ambedkar's legacy while merely using his image for optics."They put Ambedkar's photo in offices but do not follow his ideals," he said, further criticizing the AAP for consistently blaming the Centre for its shortcomings.
"If a government is incapable of working, it should step aside and let the Congress govern. The only way Delhi can truly progress is if the Congress forms the government both in the city and at the Centre," he declared.
Congress’ Vision for Delhi
The Congress outlined its agenda for Delhi, promising revamped infrastructure, clean drinking water, Yamuna river rejuvenation, stable electricity supply, and job creation for the youth. The party also pledged to safeguard the interests of Dalits, Adivasis, Muslims, backward classes, and Purvanchalis.As the capital heads into the final hours before polling, the Congress has made its strongest bid yet, banking on nostalgia for Sheila Dikshit’s governance while attacking its opponents for failing Delhi.
