Congress MP and Leader of Opposition (LoP) in the Lok Sabha, Rahul Gandhi visited Valmiki Temple in Delhi on Tuesday, 28th January. This was an important outreach programme before the 5th February assembly elections in the city.
LoP Rahul Gandhi was accompanied by Congress’ New Delhi assembly candidate Sandeep Dikshit. He offered prayers at the temple and interacted with the residents of the Dalit colony of the constituency. As a mark of respect, the locals presented a turban to the Congress leader.
In New Delhi constituency, Sandeep Dikshit is pitted against AAP’s national convenor and former Delhi CM Arvind Kejriwal and BJP’s Parvesh Verma. After the temple visit, Rahul Gandhi met the residents of New Delhi assembly constituency, including women of the Dalit colony to hear their issues and concerns.
Gandhi then went to Gole Market to meet more locals.
Speaking to media, Sandeep Dikshit said the major issue in the area is unemployment. He criticized both AAP and BJP for neglecting the NDMC employees.
"The biggest problem here is unemployment. Earlier, 7,800 people were employed in NDMC, but now those jobs are no longer available. Even compensatory jobs for employees' families have stopped.
Kejriwal, who was part of NDMC, never addressed this issue," he said.
"Similarly, the BJP, which oversees NDMC under the union home ministry, failed to act. Rahul Gandhi has assured us that he will raise these issues in Parliament," Dikshit said.
Residents also raised issues of housing and employment.
Sunita, a local resident, told media, "We asked for proper housing and employment opportunities for our children. Rahul Gandhi promised to ensure these issues are addressed. We are hopeful that he will make this happen."
Suman also expressed similar views and said, "We need homes and jobs for our children. Rahul Gandhi assured us that our demands would be fulfilled as soon as the Congress wins the assembly elections."
Later in the day, LoP Gandhi will address rallies in Patparganj and Okhla as Congress gears up for the Delhi assembly elections.
Elections are on 5th February and results on 8th February.
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