Delhi elections 2015: Congress roadshow in Old Delhi draws crowds

NEW DELHI: After campaigning in slums, resettlements and unauthorized colonies, Congress on Wednesday turned its attention on the Muslim population in Old Delhi where it has traditionally been strong. Congress vice-president Rahul Gandhi campaigned through the assembly seats of Sadar Bazar, Ballimaran, Matia Mahal and Chandni Chowk, ending the day with a show of strength at Jama Masjid.

Six of the eight assembly seats Congress won last time had a significant Muslim population. The community was credited with keeping the party afloat in Delhi and its vote share at a respectable 24%. However, when Congress's vote share fell to 15.1% in the Lok Sabha polls, it was thought that many Muslims had shifted support to AAP.

TOI followed Rahul Gandhi and his entourage of party heavyweights through the crowded lanes. Security arrangements and the roadshow left many commuters seething as moving around the Walled City became difficult. Travelling the 6km route from St Stephen's Hospital to Daryaganj took three hours while crossing Ring Road in the area took one-and-a-half hours.

The roadshow started in Sadar Bazar, where the party's poll campaign chief, Ajay Maken, is contesting. Rahul was accompanied by DPCC chief Arvinder Singh, Ballimaran candidate Haroon Yusuf, Matia Mahal candidate Shoiab Iqbal and Chandni Chowk candidate Prahlad Singh Sawhney, among others. People came out of homes, shops and other establishments to see, cheer and shower the roadshow's key participants with rose petals. A band on the lead truck played the party's jingles.

As soon as Rahul reached Azad Market, people tried to reach his car and take pictures on their mobile phones. Many in fact climbed the footboard of his vehicle, sending security personnel into a tizzy and the enthusiastic supporters had to be pushed back to the security line marked by a rope and iron barricades.

People TOI spoke to said it's going to be tough contest. While AAP is clearly a force here many voters haven't made up their mind. The mood varied from area to area. The crowd in Sadar Bazar appeared eager, in some parts of Ballimaran people were cautious and in other places they were excited. The crowd grew as the procession travelled through Matia Mahal constituency and the cheers were loudest during the show of strength at Jama Masjid.