Cong dodges queries on dissension in party over MCD polls

Congress today refused to answer queries on dissensions within its Delhi unit over ticket allotments for upcoming civic polls and directed them to Delhi Pradesh Congress.
"All queries relating to Delhi municipal elections should be directed at the Delhi Pradesh Congress Committee (DPCC) at DDU marg," Congress spokesperson Manish Tewari told reporters.
Dissensions within the Congress over ticket distribution for MCD polls are simmering with a senior leader and former minister A K Walia threatening to quit the party, even as three-time MLA Ambrish Gautam switched to BJP over the issue.
Walia, three-time cabinet minister in erstwhile Sheila Dikshit regime, vocally expressed his resentment alleging "irregularities" and violation of party nominationin ticket distribution in selection of candidates and violation of party rules.

"I have written a letter to Delhi Congress President Ajay Maken complaining against irregularities and violation of party rules in ticket distribution and if things do not change, I will quit the party," Walia said.
To another question that party vice president Rahul Gandhi valued its old leaders, he said, "We do not deal with corporation elections at this forum and all such questions may be directed to Delhi Congress."
Several other Congress leaders have alleged irregularities in ticket distribution with former Deputy Speaker and three-time MLA Amrish Singh Gautam today quitting the party and joining the BJP.
There are 272 wards in three municipal corporations in the city, with 104 each in the South and North Delhi Municipal Corporation and 64 in the East Delhi Municipal Corporation, which are going to polls on April 23.