The political atmosphere in Delhi has intensified as the Congress party launched scathing attacks on both the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) and the Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) over alleged misrule and failure in civic administration. With the Municipal Corporation of Delhi (MCD) bypolls scheduled for February 25, the campaign has taken an aggressive turn.
Congress Offensive Against Ruling Parties
Delhi Congress leaders have mounted a vigorous campaign highlighting what they term as "double-engine failure" in the national capital. The party has been particularly critical of both the BJP-led central government and the AAP-led Delhi government for their handling of municipal affairs.
Senior Congress leader Alka Lamba, who is contesting from the Chandni Chowk ward, has been at the forefront of this offensive. She accused both parties of creating obstacles in the development works initiated during her previous tenure. "The BJP and AAP have joined hands to stop development work in my ward," Lamba stated during her campaign.
Key Campaign Issues and Allegations
The Congress campaign has focused primarily on civic issues that directly affect Delhi residents. The party has highlighted the deteriorating sanitation conditions, garbage management problems, and inadequate public services across the city.
According to Congress representatives, the BJP's 15-year rule in the MCD and AAP's eight-year control of the Delhi government have both failed to address basic civic amenities. The party has been organizing door-to-door campaigns and public meetings to connect with voters about these pressing issues.
Delhi Congress chief Chaudhary Anil Kumar emphasized that the bypolls would serve as a referendum on the performance of both the BJP and AAP in managing Delhi's civic affairs. He pointed out that residents are suffering due to the political tug-of-war between the two parties.
Strategic Significance of MCD Bypolls
The upcoming bypolls hold significant political importance as they represent the first municipal elections since the MCD was unified. The results will indicate the public mood ahead of future elections and could potentially shift the balance of power in the corporation.
The Congress sees this as an opportunity to reestablish its presence in Delhi politics after facing setbacks in recent elections. The party's strategy involves positioning itself as the viable alternative to both the BJP and AAP, capitalizing on voter dissatisfaction with the current administration.
With campaigning intensifying daily, all three major parties are pulling out all stops to reach voters. The Congress has particularly focused on areas where it traditionally had strong support, hoping to regain lost ground.
As the February 25 polling date approaches, political observers are watching closely to see how these campaigns resonate with Delhi voters who have been grappling with persistent civic issues despite multiple changes in administration.