Cong tightens grip, BJP beats retreat
For the first time since 1989, the Congress is set to control all three-tiers of administration in the city ? MCD, Delhi government and the centre.
For the first time since 1989, the Congress is set to control all three-tiers of administration in the city — MCD, Delhi government and the centre.
Its 6-1 victory in the city's Lok Sabha seats meant the BJP had been dealt another blow barely six months after it lost the assembly elections.
Party leaders said that with a Congress government at the Centre, wrangling over who's to blame for what will be put to an end. Issues like delay in allocation of land for major projects, including relocation of industries, and law and order can get smoother.
Chief Minister Sheila Dikshit said, “Now that the Centre and Delhi governments will not be at loggerheads, I want to tackle issues like unauthorised colonies, full statehood, relocation of industries and bringing land under the city administration".
On the statehood issue, both the Congress and the BJP had agreed to a basic model which will see Delhi government control land and exercise some power over Delhi Police.
But the first anticipated change if a Congress-led government comes to power at the Centre is that of the Lieutenant-Governor. The L-G is a political appointee who wields considerable power since crucial areas are under the Centre’s jurisdiction.
The party's strong showing on Thursday had a lot to do with an increase in vote share. It increased from 52 per cent in the assembly elections to about 55 per cent.
From the 46 seats it won in the December elections, the Congress led in 54 segments.
The major gains were in Outer Delhi where Congress was ahead in 18 segments out of 21. Of the 20 in East, Congress led in 18. In Karol Bagh, the Congress got more votes in all segments.
Only in south Delhi did the Congress face some problems.