Congress plenary session venue is unique

The distinction of Burari, where Congress’ 125th birth rituals are on, is that its demographic sketch is similar to the party’s election symbol and the water-starved, potholed and victim of abject neglect locality came into being under Sanjay Gandhi’s Emergency rule.

The sprawling 35-sq-km Burari, where mostly a marginalised mixed population lives, was initially located on the northern outskirts of the capital where now stands a prize mini city with increasing number of unauthorised colonies which became legal around the time of elections.

The 100-odd acres of the rally ground where the Congress plenary session is on is also known for hosting the annual congregation of the Sant Nirankari sect.

It’s because of the availability of space that Burari was chosen by Delhi Congress. It has offered helipads for leaders such as prime minister Manmohan Singh and party president Sonia Gandhi.

Burari’s another highlight is that it has close links with Congress. During Emergency, when Youth Congress president the late Sanjay Gandhi was calling the shots, it was chosen for settling domestic helps and people living far below the poverty line.

The protagonists of the 20-point programme and Sanjay’s five-point agenda got small houses in Burari.

Though extremely important for any political party that aspires for huge gatherings at its rallies and, of course, votes, Burari continues to suffer from a variety of handicaps.

People still get water from tankers as no pipeline has been laid. The residents recently submitted a memorandum to Lt governor Tejender Khanna demanding water pipelines, levelling of streets, street lights and roads.

Whether these demands are met or not only time will tell, but for the next two days the settlement will be well-lit.