'Sealing drive responsible for poll debacle'

NEW DELHI: Admitting defeat in the crucial elections to the Municipal Corporation of Delhi (MCD), DPCC President Rambabu Sharma on Saturday blamed the court-ordered sealing drive in the capital for the party's poll debacle.

"For the last one year, the people of Delhi have had to deal with the sealing drive. To add to it, they also had to face demolition of houses," Sharma said reacting to the election results.

The Congress had used the hurriedly-enacted Master Plan for Delhi 2021 as its election weapon in the MCD polls that were held under the shadow of the sealing drive.

The Master Plan was projected as a solution to the sealing and demolition issues.

The Delhi Congress chief also enlisted inflation and problems relating to power and water as the reasons behind the poor showing of the party in the elections, that are being seen as a curtain-raiser to the Assembly polls to be held next year.

"Despite these problems, the Congress candidates and workers gave it their best shot and I really admire their determination," Sharma said.