The Hindu : Leaders take a break from election grind

Online edition of India's National Newspaper
Monday, Dec 01, 2003

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Leaders take a break from election grind

By Our Staff Reporter

NEW DELHI NOV. 30. For Delhi's Chief Minister Sheila Dikshit, the hectic campaigning might have come to an end but the battle of nerves has just begun. Though not completely out of the election mode, she got some time today to mingle with her granddaughter who hates elections as it keeps her away from her granny. "Today it was less hectic in the sense that I did not have to go out and address a series of election meetings, but less work also meant more tension about the polling and of course the results," remarked Ms. Dikshit, taking a break from her door-to-door campaign in her Gole Market constituency.

"It was a normal day for me and I addressed three indoor meetings including the one at Constitution Club with the Resident Welfare Associations (RWAs). Then I went out for a padyatra behind Le Meridien hotel and close by areas during noon. Lunch was at the Catholic Church Mela near Rashstrapati Bhavan that also provided an opportunity to interact with the minority votes, mostly from her constituency. I will be going out in the evening for a door - to-door meeting in my area and also address some indoor meetings if possible. However, certainly, things were a little comfortable and less hectic today," the Chief Minister said. Her house is still crowded with supporters, well-wishers and close friends who were working hard to ensure a resounding victory for her.

The Chief Minister also found some time off for her granddaughter, Affiya, who is still wondering what is happening in the house. "She is just not able to understand what this whole activity is about but keeps on shouting for her father, Imran.

There is too much of a rush in the house and I am unable to sit with her. I just managed five minutes with her today after a long time but she was whisked away by her mother, Latika, saying that nani was very busy. I will be able to spend some time with her between the polling and the counting day," Ms. Dikshit said.

For the Delhi Bharatiya Janata Party president, Madan Lal Khurana, it was also a less hectic day that was spent with the electorate of his Moti Nagar constituency. His day began at 6 in the morning. Mr. Khurana rushed to the Punjabi Bagh East district park to interact with the morning walkers. After this, he went around certain areas of his constituency undertaking a padyatra and indulging in door-to-door campaigning. "I have spent major part of my election campaign addressing meetings all over the Capital. I have to reach my constituency and organise things for tomorrow's polling day. I cannot come to your constituency today," Mr. Khurana was heard telling party's Huaz Khas candidate, Arti Mehra, over the phone at the Pandit Pant Marg party office.

Suddenly, a television journalist approached Mr. Khurana requesting him to attend a programme in their studio relating to Delhi elections. "I will not come to your programme. You people have predicted a defeat for me in the polls. I will prove you people wrong and only then come to your programme and that of the two other Hindi channels who have been running down the BJP. The people of Delhi will prove you all wrong and you will have to eat your words," remarked Mr. Khurana.

"I am heading for my constituency to organise things and meet some of my voters and supporters. Now we will meet you on the counting day to prove you wrong," was the parting remark of Delhi BJP's strongman.

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