Delhi special state and will like to keep it that way: Sheila

New Delhi, Nov 17 (UNI) After talking about full statehood for Delhi during the campaign for the previous assembly polls, the ruling Congress in Delhi seems to be singing a different tune in the run up to the November 29 elections to the State Legislative assembly.

''Unlike other states of the country, Delhi cannot get full statehood. The UPA Government at the Centre recognises Delhi as a special state. As such we will like to keep it special.

At the same time, we will endeavour to do away with the problem of multiplicity of authorities in Delhi by ensuring that the MCD, Law and order and the Delhi Development Authority come under the jurisdiction of the Delhi Goverment,''Delhi Chief Minister Sheila Dikshit told reporters after releasing the party manifesto for the forthcoming assembly polls.

Releasing the manifesto in the presence of Congress MPs in Delhi Jagdish Tytler, Sajjan Kumar, Krishna Tirath and Kapil Sibal, Delhi Assembly Speaker Prem Singh and Delhi Pradesh Congress committee president J P Agarwal, Ms Dikshit said the manifesto contained the achievements of the Congress Government in the state over the last ten years.

''It also lists the tasks that we intend to undertake in the direction of making Delhi a world class city,''the Chief Minister said.

Asserting that in the last ten years, the Congress had run the government in Delhi in a transparent manner, Ms Dikshit said,''despite multiplicity of authorities, which is the biggest bane for Delhi, we have ensured all-round development of the city and are committed to continue that process.

''During the last ten years, we have taken taken steps to benefit all sections of the society, regardless of caste, language, region or status. We have undertaken various initiatives in the fields of health, education, transport and infrastructural development.'' The Congress Manifesto, while enumerating the achievements of the Sheila Dikshit Government over the last ten years, says,''the past ten-year tenure of the Congress in Delhi has remained over and above narrow party political concerns with emphasis on the 'Aam Aadmi' (common man) and improving its lot.

Whether it is power or water supply, education, health or social sector, roads or transport, medical facilities or the public distribution system, the tenure has seen these sectors make a great stride forward in tune with the party's motto to make the Capital a World class city comparable with the best.

The administration has become more transparent with the involvement of people in developmental projects through the much talked about and successful Bhagidari system it.'' At the same time, the manifesto expresses the resolve of the Congress to carry on with the development work done over the last ten years.

''The Congress is committed to resolving the remaining problems of the people and work the for overall development of the Capital city with the active involvement of each and every citizen and reiterates its promise to share the joys and the sorrows of the voters,''the Manifesto said.

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