Synopsis
In a recent statement, Congress leader Sandeep Dikshit rebutted Mayawati's claims regarding the Congress's influence on the BJP's electoral success. He stated that an alliance with AAP would not have changed the election outcome and suggested Mayawati fears a possible Congress-Samajwadi Party collaboration in Uttar Pradesh.Key Takeaways
- Sandeep Dikshit challenges Mayawati's claims.
- He asserts Congress's participation with AAP wouldn't change the outcome.
- Mayawati's fear of a Congress-Samajwadi alliance is evident.
- Financial mismanagement issues under the current administration.
- Calls for time before judging the new government.
New Delhi, Feb 21 (NationPress) Congress leader Sandeep Dikshit refuted Bahujan Samaj Party (BSP) chief Mayawati's assertion that Congress significantly influenced the BJP's recent electoral success. Dikshit emphasized that even had Congress participated in the elections alongside AAP, Arvind Kejriwal would have inevitably faced defeat, suggesting that Mayawati is apprehensive about the potential challenge posed by the Congress-Samajwadi Party alliance in Uttar Pradesh.
In an interview with IANS, Dikshit remarked, 'Such statements are unfounded and do not represent the true situation in Delhi. The electorate in Delhi voted against AAP.'
'Even if Congress had joined forces with AAP, Kejriwal would have still been unsuccessful. Our voter base in Delhi primarily opposed AAP. Some Dalit and Muslim voters shifted towards BJP out of fear; otherwise, AAP could have secured 10-12 seats,' he elaborated.
Dikshit raised questions regarding Mayawati’s political strategy, highlighting that the BSP nominated its own candidates in Delhi.
'What was the intention behind BSP's candidacy? Were they aiming to assist AAP in winning or merely to split votes? The crucial matter is the forthcoming Uttar Pradesh elections. Mayawati is wary that a Congress-Samajwadi Party coalition could contest her authority, which is why she has started making such statements,' he contended.
Commenting on the delays in honoring electoral pledges, especially financial support for women, he noted that although Prime Minister Narendra Modi had promised approval in the first Cabinet meeting, the substantial financial obligation, estimated at Rs 12,000-13,000 crore, complicates immediate execution.
He also mentioned that the Kejriwal-led government has already placed Delhi’s finances in a precarious state.
'The Delhi administration has exhibited financial mismanagement. There is hardly any funding left. However, we should allow the new government a grace period of six months to a year before holding them accountable for their commitments. Current criticism is untimely,' Dikshit concluded.
