High-Octane Campaigning Marks Final Day Before MCD By-Elections
The normally tranquil lanes of Shalimar Bagh transformed into a political battleground on Friday as major parties made their final push for votes in the Municipal Corporation of Delhi (MCD) by-elections. With twelve wards going to polls on Sunday, this particular locality emerged as the epicenter of political activity, given its recent election of Rekha Gupta to the assembly earlier this year.
BJP's Morning Spectacle
The day began with a vibrant display of saffron as Chief Minister and BJP candidate Anita Jain's cavalcade entered AB Block. The area was awash with party flags fluttering from roadsides, shopfronts, and vehicles. The air resonated with the campaign jingle "Dilli badal rahi hai, patri pe chal rahi hai" blaring from loudspeakers.
A massive procession comprising SUVs filled with party workers, motorcycles, and e-rickshaws wrapped in saffron banners moved through the narrow lanes. Giant cutouts of Prime Minister Narendra Modi bobbed above the enthusiastic crowd, while supporters waved posters from terraces and balconies. Many local women gathered near colony gates, capturing the unusual weekday spectacle on their smartphones and discussing the unprecedented political attention their area was receiving.
AAP's Afternoon Response
As BJP concluded its morning show, the Aam Aadmi Party took center stage in the afternoon. Their candidate, Babita Rana, began her rally, greeting residents as her campaign vehicle slowly navigated through roads decorated with the party's distinctive blue-and-yellow flags.
The atmosphere filled with drumbeats, slogans, and the showering of rose petals and pamphlets accusing BJP of misleading locals. While BJP had focused its campaign on Baniya and Jain communities, AAP strategically began from its traditional stronghold—middle-class residential pockets.
The rally gained additional momentum when former CM Atishi joined Babita Rana, with patriotic notes from "Rang De Basanti Chola" filling the air. The two leaders stood shoulder-to-shoulder as their roadshow meandered through the neighborhood's lanes and bylanes.
Residents Voice Ground Realities
Amid the political fervor, local residents brought attention back to everyday issues that affect their quality of life. Rakesh, a 20-year resident of Shalimar Bagh, acknowledged the increased political attention but emphasized practical concerns.
"It's good to see the spotlight on our area. Our MLA (Gupta) became CM, and now both she and the former CM are here," he said. When asked about his expectations, he straightforwardly stated: "Fix dust pollution and sanitation problems."
O P Garg, who has lived in the locality for 45 years, acknowledged improvements but highlighted the need for regular tree pruning. "Things are better, but regular pruning of trees is needed. Kabhi kabhi toh jungle jaisa lagta hai," he remarked, indicating that the area sometimes resembles a jungle due to overgrown vegetation.
Lakshmi, a homemaker, pointed to water supply issues, saying "Water supply needs to improve. Free hota toh aur acchha hota," expressing her desire for free water services.
The intense campaigning in Shalimar Bagh underscores the significance both major parties attach to these MCD by-elections, transforming what might have been routine civic polls into a high-stakes political contest that has captured the attention of both politicians and residents alike.
