Race hots up in Cong as leaders vie for LS tickets

Alliance with AAP unlikely

◗ Congress insiders say either Kirti Azad or Shatrughan Sinha, both of who are looking for a new home after differences with top BJP leaders, may be fielded from North East Delhi constituency, currently held by Delhi BJP chief Manoj Tiwari.

New Delhi, Feb. 17: With the prospects of an alliance with AAP nearly over, several senior Delhi Congress leaders have emerged as contenders for the seven seats in the national capital for the coming Lok Sabha election.

Delhi Congress president Sheila Dikshit said a number of applications from party leaders have been received but added the ticket distribution will be decided based on their “winnability”.

Former Delhi Congress president Ajay Maken is focusing his strength on New Delhi Lok Sabha seat by holding meetings with local leaders and workers, Congress insiders say.

Mr Maken, a two- time MP from the seat in 2004 and 2009, was defeated by BJP’s Meenakshi Lekhi in 2014 elections.

Former MP Mahabal Mishra is eyeing West Delhi constituency but the Congress may field a Jat candidate, possibly Yoganand Shastri, from the seat, they say.

“On almost all seven Lok Sabha seats, several senior leaders are staking claims as it is almost clear that Congress will not ally with AAP for the coming election,” a senior Delhi Congress leader said.

AAP chief Arvind Kejriwal said on Thursday that the Congress has “more or less” refused an alliance with his party for the general election. He, however, had added his party was “eager” for a tie- up with Congress in the national capital to avoid a three- cornered contest involving the BJP.

Congress insiders say either Kirti Azad or Shatrughan Sinha, both of who are looking for a new home after differences with top BJP leaders, may be fielded from North East Delhi constituency, currently held by Delhi BJP chief Manoj Tiwari. They claimed Mr Sinha is also in touch with the Congress “highcommand” for his political shift.