Dikshit asks MLAs to pull up socks, connect with people

In a Congress Legislature Party meeting, which also saw criticism against her, Dikshit made a veiled attack on some of the MLAs for "losing touch with the party's support base" and told them to go to masses to regain their support ahead of next year's assembly polls.

"I told them to reach out to the people. I asked them to take the schemes and achievements of our government to the masses," said Dikshit when asked about the CLP meeting.

Taking strong note of MLAs often not attending meetings to discuss developmental projects in their constituencies, Dikshit told them to get involved in ensuring speedy implementation of various schems in their areas.

"Yes, I did say you must attend the meetings. You must attend the Bhagidari workshops which are organised to improve peoples' participation in development of their areas," said Dikshit.

Sources said a number of MLAs criticised Dikshit for her "style of functioning" and said they often find it difficult to get access to her. They also blamed government's lack of concern for the common man for the electoral drubbing in the municipal polls.

A number of MLAs complained that senior officials often do not listen to them which result in delay in implementation of various programmes and schems.

Some of the MLAs appreciated government's decision to cut VAT on hiked amount of petrol price but took objection to decision to levy five per cent VAT on CNG which fuels public transport on city roads. "The VAT on CNG should be withdrawn," said an MLA.

A group of MLAs had met Dikshit on Wednesday and sought roll back of VAT on the CNG arguing that any increase in price of the fuel will have a negative effect on the party.

Senior MLA Jaswant Rana said his son received a call last week from an unknown person demanding Rs 50 lakh. He demanded providing security to the MLAs, a demand echoed by other legislators.