New Delhi, Feb 7: East Delhi, the second largest constituency in the Capital with a population of 36 lakh and an electorate of nearly 24 lakh, is the only parliamentary constituency in the country which has undergone a sea change both in its dimensions and voting pattern.Once termed as the `most backward' in the national capital and true to a famous adage ``Nanak Dukhiya Sab Sansar, jitney dukhiya Yamuna par'' (Trans Yamuna is a place for all who are backward and downtrodden), it used to be a Congress bastion.
In the early nineties, the Congress lost the seat when party strongman H K L Bhagat, who dominated the scene for almost 15 years, was rejected by the electorate in favour of BJP candidate Baikunth Lal Sharma in 1991.
The political tilt in favour of the saffron party coincided with the coming up of new residential areas like Mayur Vihar, Anand Vihar, Preet Vihar, Yojna Vihar and Patparganj which changed the profile of the constituency. The constituency has registered an increase in the number ofvoters by about 42 per cent. This time the voter list for this election has 23 lakh voters. In 1996, 140 candidates contested while this time 129 candidates are in the fray. But the main contest is between the BJP and the Congress.
Due to the population-mix of the constituency, the problems of the residents are varied and many.
The BJP legislator from Mandawali, Murari Singh Panwar says, "The main problems of the area are poor condition of roads, improper civic services, water and electricity."
This time Congress has fielded former MP from Unnao, Shiela Dikshit, to contest the East Delhi seat, and the Bhartiya Janata Party has pitted its sitting MP Lal Bihari Tiwari.
Tiwari said, "I had been an MP for six month only and again have to seek re-election to the Lok Sabha. However, in this short span of time, I have initiated developmental work in 20 legislative constituencies. If re-elected, I shall demand a separate municipal corporation for East Delhi which will lead to speedier completion of sewersystem and improvement in electricity and water supply system.''
M S Rawat, a prominent citizen running an educational institute in Patparganj says, "The BJP will certainly corner the seat as the candidate is closely associated with the workers in the area for the last 40 years, keeps a low profile, and identifies himself with commoners. Even after becoming a state minister and later member of parliament, he did not move from his small house."
Last year, Tiwari won by a margin of 1,22,500 votes when turnout was only 24 per cent. Now when the turnout is expected to nearly 45 per cent and BJP will have an edge over the Congress candidate with an even higher margin, it is felt.
Congress candidate Shiela Dikshit, though a non-controversial candidate chosen by non other than Sonia Gandhi, is being termed an outsider.
She might have a difficult time in explaining as to how well she would be able to nurse the constituency. The grassroot-level party workers and the electorate may not feel too confidentabout her.
Copyright © 1998 Indian Express Newspapers (Bombay) Ltd.
