New Delhi [India], January 28: Sandeep Dikshit, the Congress candidate for the New Delhi assembly seat, has emphasized several key concerns raised by local residents, urging Rahul Gandhi’s support to address these issues if elected.
One of the main points raised by Dikshit was the need to reopen the temporary muster roll in the New Delhi Municipal Council (NDMC), which had provided jobs to thousands of youths. He stated, “The temporary muster roll in NDMC, which used to provide jobs to many, has been shut for the last ten years. It needs to be reopened, and we want Rahul Gandhi to hear this issue.”
Another pressing concern for Dikshit was the regularization of workers employed under the muster roll system. “We have raised the issue of the policy that stopped the regular muster roll and prevented regularization, which would provide workers with permanent employment,” he explained. “There are still about 1,200 to 1,500 RMR workers, and we have been discussing this issue with them.”
Dikshit also highlighted the inadequacy of compensation for families of deceased workers. He pointed out, “Only a small percentage of families receive jobs as compensation, which is deeply unethical. During Congress rule, this percentage was much higher, around 40-45%. If someone dies young, their family is left in a difficult situation. We raised this concern as well.”
Another issue raised by residents was the lack of leases for long-term residents, some of whom have lived in the area for several decades. Dikshit stated, “Many people have lived in this area for 50 to 70 years, and in other parts of India, the government has provided leases for such long-term residents. We are asking if this policy can be applied here as well.”
Confident in Rahul Gandhi’s leadership, Dikshit believes these issues could be raised effectively in Parliament. “If Rahul Gandhi, as an MP, raises these issues in Parliament with the support of 100 MPs, we can push these concerns forward,” he said.
Dikshit acknowledged the enthusiasm for Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal but emphasized that it was largely due to Rahul Gandhi’s appeal. “People’s enthusiasm for Kejriwal is mostly because of Rahul Gandhi’s support and the issues they want to discuss with him,” he explained.
Criticizing the current leadership, Dikshit questioned why basic development issues had been ignored. “Under the current leadership, why were these issues not addressed? The government doesn’t seem to listen, nor has there been any action on development in this area,” he said.
Dikshit concluded by highlighting the lack of development discussions and demands from the local leadership, stating, “In the last ten years, there has been no discussion of development or jobs, nor has any resolution been sent to demand improvements for the area.”
The Delhi Assembly elections are scheduled for February 5, with vote counting to take place on February 8.