The cracks are still there in Trilokpuri, three months after communal violence spread through the narrow streets of the East Delhi resettlement colony.
However, the division now lies in the campaign strategies of candidates for the Trilokpuri Assembly seat. BJP candidate Kiran Vaidya says communal violence “is not an issue” in the elections, while Congress’s Brahm Pal says “maintaining harmony between communities” tops the agenda.
Ms. Vaidya replaces her husband and former MLA Sunil Vaidya, who passed away last month, as the BJP’s candidate. Trilokpuri is a reserved constituency that has a predominantly Valmiki Dalit population. Mr. Vaidya’s name had cropped up in connection with the riots in October 2014, however, the Delhi Police’s report on the violence did not name him. Ms. Vaidya says she is carrying forward her husband’s legacy. “The BJP enjoys great support in the area and my husband’s supporters want to fulfil his dream so they are working hard to ensure that I win,” said the 41-year-old.
Sunil Vaidya had lost his seat to the Aam Aadmi Party’s Raju Dhingan in the 2013 Assembly elections by a margin of 17,685 votes. Ms. Vaidya says: “There is no communal tension here. People want development and my priorities include better services and women’s security.”
The Congress candidate and three-time MLA from Trilokpuri, Mr. Pal, however, says “there can be no development if we don’t have peace”.
“Those who instigate riots when they see elections are near will be punished by voters. Delhi is a civilised place and these tactics do not work here,” says the 68-year-old.
As the sitting MLA at the time, Mr. Dhingan was accused by critics of not doing enough to quell the violence.
While political parties remain divided, it remains to be seen whether or not October’s riots will play on the minds of Trilokpuri voters come February 7.
Constituency Watch - Trilokpuri
Three main contenders in 2015
BJP - Kiran Vaidya Congress - Brahm Pal AAP - Raju Dhingan
