Live chats on social media and discussions with Delhiites at local eateries, parks and markets are expected to replace large public meetings as part of the campaign for the municipal corporation elections next month, the Congress said on Wednesday.
Delhi Congress president Ajay Maken said the party would launch its campaign for the April 23 civic elections with a live Facebook session on Saturday.
The discussion would focus on the Congress’ roadmap, which was unveiled earlier this month, to make the financially-weak civic bodies in the Capital self-reliant within two years.
Reaching out
“This time, instead of big public meetings, we are reaching out to people via social media and by our ‘ Dilli ki baat, dil ke saath’ initiative. We will hold small gatherings at popular eating joints; talk to people on their morning walks; and hold events at vegetable mandis ,” said Mr. Maken.
Raiding popular points
Starting with a meeting at the “ naale wali chaat ” stall in Ashok Vihar on March 27, senior Congress leaders will hold similar gatherings throughout the campaign.
Other areas on the party’s list include the busy Paranthewali Gali in Old Delhi.
In addition, the party will also release documents outlining its plan to improve solid waste management, primary healthcare and primary education services better.
‘Top brains engaged’
Former Union Environment Minister Jairam Ramesh would give his inputs for the solid waste management plan on Sunday, while senior leaders and former Ministers Shashi Tharoor and Salman Khurshid would help with plans for education and health at a later date. These plans, along with the one on fiscal management that includes inputs from P. Chidambaram and Jyotiraditya Scindia, would form the base for the Congress manifesto.
‘Don’t want to blame’
Referring to the BJP, which has ruled the corporations since 2007, and the Aam Aadmi Party, which has been in power in the Delhi government for two years, Mr. Maken said that the Congress did not want to focus on “blaming others”.
“The people of Delhi know how the BJP and the AAP have been. We want to offer realistic solutions to the problems faced by Delhiites every day. We have the experience needed and our top brains are engaged in the task,” he said.
