JD(U) second list to woo Sikhs, Purvanchalis

Tribune News Service

New Delhi, March 21

In the second list for MCD elections, the Janata Dal (United) has decided to give priority to Purvanchalis and Sikhs to grab voters of both the communities. The list is to be released soon, a senior party leader said.

Recently Bihar Chief Minister and JDU president Nitish had celebrated Parkash Utsav on the occasion of 350th anniversary of Guru Gobind Singh in Patna that might help the party to woo Sikh voters, the leader said.

In the first list, the JDU released the names of only 27 candidates. The party has decided to field 100-150 candidates and raise the issues against BJP, not against the Congress and the AAP.

Purvanchalis or people hailing from Bihar and Uttar Pradesh settled in Delhi are considered a major vote bank by all parties, and JD(U) is also hoping to shore up its fortunes in the civic polls relying on the impact of Nitish's policies in Bihar, especially prohibition, he said.

The party will also reach out to the Sikh community, given the successful organisation of Guru Gobind Singh's 350th anniversary in Patna, which had turned the Bihar capital into a mini Punjab. Besides, other minorities like Muslims living here, the party would also reach out to them, said the party leader.

Areas like Burari, Jahangirpuri, Uttam Nagar in north Delhi, Sangam Vihar, Okhla in south Delhi and large areas of east Delhi are populated with migrants from Bihar and Uttar Pradesh.

Incidentally, JD(U) had supported AAP in the 2015 Assembly elections in 2015. The same year JD (U) had cobbled 'Grand Alliance' with RJD and Congress for the Bihar Assembly polls, which it swept comprehensively.

The BJP has been ruling the MCD since 2007. The last polls were held in 2012.

The much-awaited elections will decide the fate of 272 councillors.