Blaming BJP of 'dalit' neglect Cong sets up contest for Dy Mayorship

New Delhi, Nov 13 (UNI) Charging the BJP with neglecting the 'dalits', the Congress today put up its candidate for the Deputy Mayor's post in Delhi, saying it was forced to take the step in view of its concern for the neglected class.

Announcing the candidature of Tulsi Ram Sablania, councillor from East Patel Nagar, for the Dy Mayor's post, Leader of Opposition in the MCD Jai Kishan Sharma said the Congress was pained at the neglect of the 'dalits' in the power-sharing system of the BJP where the downtrodden class was being given a raw deal.

''This is the reason we have put up a candidate for the Dy Mayor's post. Earlier, respecting the people's mandate our party had refrained from contesting the Mayor's seat.'' The Congress has had a tradition of encouraging the 'dalits', when in power, and that is why it has brought in Mr Sablania to take the lead in giving representation to the 'dalit samaj' in Delhi, he added.

Claiming that he had been assured of support from several independent candidates as well as 'many' from the BJP too, Mr Sablania said he took up the challenge after he was approached by several councillors that they felt 'choked' under the BJP regime.

''Even the BSP people have called me and assured of their support,'' he added.

UNI