Cong. MLAs attack Ministers

By Our Staff Reporter

NEW DELHI, SEPT. 5. While resolving to defeat the BJP in the forthcoming MCD polls, the Delhi Congress(I) MLAs launched a scathing attack on the functioning of some Ministers of their Government, aired concern over the delay in constitution of the Pradesh Congress Committee(I) and sought denial of ticket to those who had indulged in anti-party activities in the past.

While the meeting of the MLAs was convened to discuss the strategy for the MCD polls, the MLAs owing loyalty to various leaders utilised it to run down either the Ministers, the organisation, the government or the party leaders. Although there was lot of talk about unity between the party and the government indications are that the divide between the two has just begun.

While all were in praise of the AICC(I) general secretary, Mr. Kamal Nath, for bringing about unity, a fact which was even highlighted by the Chief Minister, Ms. Sheila Dikshit, the outcome of the meeting could just mark the revival of dissidence. There were moments of confrontation when some loyalist MLAs including Mr. Mangat Ram Singhal and Mr. Amrish Gautam were shouted down by the ``third front'' MLAs, Mr.Arvinder Singh Lovely, Mr.Bhisham Sharma and Mr. Mahabal Mishra for diverting from the real issue.

The Nand Nagari MLA, Mr.Roop Chand, caused a flutter when he openly lashed out at Dr. B.R. Ambedkar and termed him as a agent of the British. While the DPCC(I) president, Mr. Subhash Chopra, was seen reprimanding him, Mr. Lovely and Mr. Sharma charged down at him but were stopped by their colleagues. Mr. Lovely and Mr. Sharma also praised Mr.Nath, Ms. Dikshit and Mr. Chopra for putting the party on one platform and said the message that has gone is that while the Congress(I) stands united the BJP is a divided house.

The attitude and performance of certain Ministers came in for sharp attack by some MLAs who charged them with not giving proper hearing to their grievances. In fact, Mr. Mahinder Singh Bhattewala, Mr. Mala Ram Gangwal and Mr. Surinder Kumar, even spoke against the Chief Minister. The Hastal MLA, Mr. Mukesh Sharma, remarked that the Chief Ministers were selected by Ms. Sonia Gandhi and not by the MLAs. This was the case with Ms. Dikshit also and tomorrow somebody else could be elected.

Some loyalist MLAs including Mr. Mahinder Singh Yadav, Mr. Ajay Maken, Mr. Ramakant Goswami said the dispute over the block presidents should be ended. Also they were critical of the delay in constituting the new DPCC(I) and said this was not good for the party.

On the issue of rotation of seats system in MCD, Ms. Kiran Chaudhary suggested that the party should approach the Prime Minister and the Union Home Minister and seeks its freezing. She suggested the Ministers should be asked to sit in the DPCC(I) once a week to attend to the party workers.

The Pitampura MLA, Dr.S.C. Vats, in a oblique reference to the former Outer Delhi MP remarked that medicines which expire are dumped. There was a need within the party to adopt this strategy for senior party leaders also who had outlived their utility.

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