Sabharwal's residence at Nicholson Square has been converted into a makeshift office -- his wife is his election manager and he is doubling as a spokesperson.

Furious about the party's decision to field Dikshit, Sabharwal said: ``I was promised the ticket during the last elections too, but I didn't get it. I have given my blood and sweat to this constituency. And Dikshit did not even have the courtesy to inform me that she was contemplating contesting from this constituency''.

Sabharwal claimed that he had the support of all party workers at the local level and added: ``Several block leaders from the Gole Market area have resigned following the announcement of Dikshit's candidature''.

This is denied by Pradesh Congress Committee office-bearers. ``Barring Neeraj Kumar, who was an office-bearer in the National Students Union of India (NSUI), no one else held any position in any of the frontal organisations.'' The rebel candidate does enjoy the support of many residents. A government employee residing in the area said: ``He has been staying in our midst and has worked for us. Dikshit is a new face and she is not even a resident. Who will travel to Nizamuddin to apprise her of our problems? And will she have the time to listen to us? We will definitely vote for Sabharwal, he knows and understands our problems''.

Sabharwal, who has an area-specific agenda, said: ``This constituency is the heart of the city, but as it falls under the NDMC area we do not even have a councillor to represent us. The MLA and the MP elected from this area have other things to worry about rather than the residents. I will ensure that NDMC elections are held in the constituency, there is reservation in jobs for children of government employees and that the government provides accommodation to retired employees living here''.

He said he had met All India Congress Committee (AICC) chief Sonia Gandhi. ``I told Soniaji that I'm first and foremost a Congress worker and her loyal soldier. And I begged her not to ask me to withdraw my candidature. My wife also said much the same,'' he said.

Hearing this, his wife Kuljeet, who was also associated with the NSUI, said: ``I told Sonia that if he withdraws from these elections I will withdraw from his house. I cannot see him being put down like this all the time. We will fight and expose all those who are trying to sideline an honest party worker''.