NEW DELHI: The poor power situation in the Capital and the subsequent harassment caused to the citizens are adding to the decline in the popularity of the Congress Government in Delhi. This fact is being fast realised by Congressmen who are facing angry crowds while campaigning for the by-election to the Subhash Nagar municipal seat.

The people's anger is clearly visible as the Delhi Government struggles to deal with the power and water crises. Although Chief Minister Sheila Dikshit has kept away from the election campaign and so have other senior party leaders, the cadres and local unit office-bearers have been faced with angry crowds forcing them to end the campaign abruptly for fear of annoying their "electorate".

During an early morning "padyatra" on Sunday when the Congress leaders and workers went along with the party candidate, Seema Luthra, around the residential colonies of Subhash Nagar, they were greeted by angry crowds at a residential apartment.

Asking the party workers to stop playing the "band and dhol", they said it was unfortunate the party was celebrating when people were suffering. "We are suffering six to eight hours of power cuts during the day and in the night. The power came only at around 6 in the morning. Now when we are trying to catch some sleep, you are making so much noise by playing the band and dhol. If you want to campaign in our colony, first give us proper water and power," said an angry resident, a Congress leader revealed.

The situation was no different at Vikrant Enclave and other residential colonies where angry residents turned the party leaders and cadres away.

As if the increase in the prises of essential commodities and diesel and petrol was not enough, the poor power and water situation and its handling by the Congress Government has made things difficult for the party.

Campaigning has not been easy for those involved in the process as angry residents seek an answer to the poor power and water situation. "They tell us that we had promised them a power cut-free Delhi four years ago when privatisation was done. Now they say the erstwhile Delhi Vidyut Board was much better because at least they were accountable to the Government. The private companies just refuse to listen and do not fear the elected representatives or the Government," a senior Minister added.

The Congressmen feel that the protests by residents in various parts of the Capital and the ransacking of some power company offices have further complicated the situation. There is annoyance all around among the electorate and when the party makes an effort to turn things around, the Delhi Government lets them down, said a senior party leader.

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