Voters eager for a change, says DPCC chief Devender
On the final day of the campaigning for the Delhi Assembly elections, the Congress launched a sharp attack on both the BJP and the ruling AAP, presenting itself as the only viable alternative to lead the city.
Addressing a press conference on Monday, Delhi Pradesh Congress Committee (DPCC) president Devender Yadav emphasised that Delhi’s voters were eager for a change and wanted to return to Delhi’s “golden days” under Sheila Dikshit.
Yadav criticised the AAP for allowing the city to deteriorate under its leadership, citing crumbling infrastructure, worsening water quality 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 said.
He said: “People of Delhi are determined to throw out Kejriwal and the BJP as they have deceived the public with empty rhetoric. The intense electioneering by Congress president Mallikarjun Kharge, Rahul Gandhi and Priyanka Gandhi has energised both Congress workers and the public, instilling hope among the people.”
Sandeep Dikshit, Congress candidate from New Delhi, launched a scathing attack on AAP’s claims regarding education and healthcare. He accused the party of self-promotion without real results, particularly criticising the Mohalla Clinic initiative.
“During the pandemic, these clinics couldn’t even administer vaccines. If they couldn’t handle a basic vaccination drive, what kind of healthcare are they providing?” Dikshit asked.
Former MP Udit Raj called Kejriwal “one of the biggest sources of corruption” in Delhi, stating: “He started his career chanting anti-corruption slogans, but has now become the face of corruption in Delhi.”
Congress leaders alleged that AAP and the BJP turned the election into a money-driven contest, accusing them of distributing cash, gifts and other incentives to sway voters.
A Congress leader said: “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), the Congress is talking about work (kaam).”
Udit Raj also took aim at the BJP, accusing it of disrespecting Dr BR Ambedkar’s legacy. “They put Ambedkar’s photo in offices, but do not follow his ideals,” Raj said.
He further criticised the AAP for blaming the Central Government for its failures. “If a government is incapable of working, it should step aside and let the Congress govern,” he said.
Laying out the party’s vision for the city, Congress leaders promised to improve infrastructure, provide clean drinking water, rejuvenate the Yamuna, ensure stable electricity and create employment opportunities for youth. They also reiterated their commitment to protecting the interests of marginalised communities, including Dalits, Adivasis, Muslims, backward classes and Purvanchalis.