BSP launches Chandni Chowk campaign

Mustaqeem,famous as Ballo Bhai in the area,owns a meat processing factory. He had lost the Assembly election he contested last year. Party sources said his reputation among the Muslims would help him garner votes. Mustaqeem will file his nomination papers today. Amid shouts and slogans from more than 400 people,BSP leaders talked about issues close to people’s hearts — unemployment and lack of quality education for the minorities.

Sadaqat Ali,party’s secretary for the Chandni Chowk constituency,said Mayawati has taken the Dalit movement to new heights. “The Congress and the BJP have done nothing for us. We have always voted them to power,but they betrayed our hopes,” Ali said. “Now you have a choice.”

For 25-year-old Manoj Gautam,who belongs to the Jatav community,the day was important. So what if Ambedkar’s birthday has been hijacked by political parties to gain votes,he said,the BSP leader is one of their own and her word counts. “Sibal doesn’t even come here,” he added. “We don’t have jobs. Why not give a chance to the elephant.”