Dikshit Challenges Her Detractors

Chief Minister Sheila Dikshit challenged her detractors in the Delhi Congress to approach the ombudsman if they had any proof of her alleged corruption. Dissidents later claimed they had proof and threatened they would approach the Lokayukta.

Dikshit threw the challenge while participating in the Star TV show Janata Ki Adalat in the wake of the possibility of dissidents mounting a fresh and stronger offensive soon to dislodge her from the chief ministership.

A dissident leader, who did not wish to be quoted, said the dissidents were forced to approach the Lokayukta, and Dikshit would be responsible for any embarrassment thus caused to the party. The dissident camp claimed that its ranks were swelling, with more MLAs joining. They have also been claiming in private conversation that once Dikshit goes, there would be no fight over who would be the next Chief Minister and anyone from Delhi would be acceptable to all.

 

The recent show cause notices against around two dozen state leaders, including a large number of MLAs, appear not to have unfazed the dissidents, who continue to lobby with central leaders to convince them of their point of view. Their argument that the party high-command had adopted duel policy for them and the dissidents in West Bengal, has found takers among a section of the central leadership.

While the Central Disciplinary Committee was quick to take action against Delhi dissidents, it ignored senior leaders of West Bengal who continued to negotiate with the Trinamool Congress in open defiance of the party line. The party has clearly stated that it would not have any alliance with any party which was directly or indirectly in alliance with the BJP. The Trinamool Congress is an ally of the BJP, being part of the ruling NDA at the Centre.

In the show, Dikshit denied allegations of the dissidents that she administered the government like a private limited company. "Where I have to take advice, I do take it." She added that she was always willing to listen and correct her shortcomings.

On the issue of the CNG buses controversy, Dikshit said a global tender had been floated for the CNG buses as there was not one available in India. "By March 2001, we will have enough buses," she said. Denying any quarrel with the central government, she said more filling stations were needed in Delhi.