MCD polls no referendum of Delhi govt performance: Sheila Dikshit

New Delhi, Apr 3 (UNI) Stressing that the forthcoming municipal elections were not a referendum on the Delhi government's performance, Chief Minister Sheila Dikshit today said the response the Congress was receiving showed that it would romp back to power comfortably.

Refusing to accept that sealings and demolitions posed a 'challenge', Ms Dikshit, addressing mediapersons, said the issue has not impacted as much as it was being made as the number of people it affected was very less.

''Some people have even welcomed the drive.'' People's doubts and apprehensions on the issue have been removed and people have realised that in their time of need, only the Congress could stand by them. ''People have started seeing through the misconceptions and rumours being spread by vested interests and once again reposed their faith in the party.'' On MoS Urban Development Ajay Maken's 'threat' of the Congress sponsored Master Plan falling by the wayside if the party lost the election, the CM said the MP 2021 was a government document and it by whoever came to power, it would have to be implemented, Referring to the media reports, she said Delhi has been declared the best place to live going by the quality of life here and it reflected the party's performance over the years.

On her 'late participation' in the canvassing for the MCD elections, she said it was only a local body election which did not need large scale participation. ''As the high command directed, I have joined the campaigning.'' Moreever, wards have become so small that door-to-door approach was being adopted by candidates which would have a better impact, she added.

The CM also said that housing problems of the weaker sections was being looked into and nearly 1.5 lakh houses would be made for them in the next two years. ''Nearly 10,000 houses for labourers would be ready in Bawana by year-end.'' DPCC chief Ram Babu Sharma giving the credit of making Delhi the 'most liveable city in India' to Ms Dikshit, said it was her eight years of dedicated efforts which made it possible.

UNI