Congress will revive its dormant workers to win UP polls: Sheila Dikshit

What is the Congress party's plan to revive its cadre base?

There are people who have left us and have become inactive. But we have received a tremendous response during our recent roadshow in Lucknow and Varanasi. There is certainly a level of enthusiasm amongst the Congress workers. We have to mobilise them in the right direction. The party is beginning its campaign by conducting small corner, mohalla meetings to find foothold in the state. The Congress has decided to first revive its dormant forces.

As a part of its strategy, Congress office bearers in UP will be holding smaller meetings which will help in galvanizing its workers who have remained out of power for years now. Beginning August 21 to October 9, the party will be holding 66 meeting throughout the state.

The Congress is the first party to announce its campaign plan for Uttar Pradesh.

Which party according to you is the biggest challenge for the Congress?

We are taking everyone with equal seriousness. But I can tell you that SP just promotes its family interest. BSP is a one-woman party, and exposing of Mayawati politics of money has hit her hard and we will remind the people of UP, about fake promises made by the BJP.

What kind of fake promise of the BJP are you referring to?

Do you think people of UP have forgotten about the demolition of Babri Masjid and promise of building a Ram Temple. Babri Masjid was demolished during BJP rule. They had promised a temple, collected bricks and money. Where is the temple? The promise that they have made were never fulfilled. We are going to tell the people, not to fall in their trap. You have broken the promise earlier, you will break it again.

BJP is riding high, they have won almost all assembly polls. Congress has won no elections in two years. Do you think the Congress can stop them in UP?

People of Uttar Pradesh have realised that Modi government has done no wonders. Look at the increasing number of atrocities on the minorities. People were wanting to experience other parties and they have done so with BJP. What is happening in Gujarat, Rajasthan and Uttar Pradesh cannot be ignored. Both SP and BJP are equally to be blamed, for the recent violence in Muzaffarnagar and Dadri.

The Congress was to do an introspection, after its defeats. But no formal discussion ever took place in the party. What is your course correction method?

We have been analysing our mistakes. Former Prime Minister Indira Gandhi was defeated in 1977. But she made a comeback within three years. If we had not learnt from our mistakes then, Indira Gandhi would not have made a cameback. We did not go tom-tomming about it. We are doing our homework.

Will the Congress align with any regional party in UP, the way it did in West Bengal?

It is too early for the Congress to decide, whether or not, we will align with any party. Only time will tell.