BJP’s pomp and show rules Delhi streets

Dressed in purple-sequined ghaghra choli, Santra, a resident of Kathputli Colony, danced in front of the BJP office on Ashoka Road Friday.

Dressed in purple-sequined ghaghra choli, Santra, a resident of Kathputli Colony, danced in front of the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) office on Ashoka Road Friday.

Although brought in by BJP with 150 other artistes to add colour to the victory celebrations, she was genuinely happy that the new government would now save their houses.

The Delhi Development Authority (DDA) has been relocating the residents of Kathputli Colony for making pucca houses there.

“Hamesha haath ko jitaya tha. Unhone toh ghar hi chheen liya. Fir jhaadu ko jitaya par who bhi kaam na aaya. Is baar hum sab ne Modi ke liye vote diya tha (I always voted for Congress but they took away our house. I then voted for AAP but in vain. We had all voted for Modi this time),” Santra said.

As part of the BJP’s carnival to celebrate Modi’s foray into the Capital, a variety of folk dances were performed, five bands from Old Delhi had been playing since 8am on Friday.

The ‘Victory Wall,’ created for writing messages for the next Prime Minister, had little space left after the first two hours of Modi’s win. Party workers danced to dhol beats from near Le Meridien Hotel to the party office, singing variations of Har Har Modi. The Delhi BJP office on Pandit Pant Marg too was buzzing with visitors and firecrackers.

Not just BJP workers, but locals also came out to celebrate Modi’s victory in their areas. They burst firecrackers and even distributed sweets among neighbours and friends.

About four kilometers away, at the Delhi Congress office, there was no sign of activity. At the counting station near Gole Market, Ajay Maken walked in early but left in less than an hour.

There were about 20 AAP supporters there, over 500 BJP workers but none from Congress.