No ‘tall promises’ in manifesto, vision document for fresh polls, says Congress

Talk of a breakaway faction within the party had forced the Delhi Pradesh Congress Committee (DPCC) to look at a revamp.

As part of the effort, the party, during a high-powered committee led by Walia, decided that it would look to create the vision document and draft the manifesto.

“I am yet to receive an official communication from the party, but I have been informed about the move. Once I have received the formal letter, we’ll meet with all members of the DPCC and take their inputs before drafting the documents,” Walia said.

Prior to the Delhi Assembly elections, the Congress and the AAP had released their vastly differing manifestos on the same day in November last year. While the Congress manifesto sought to remain what Walia called “realistic”, the AAP had promised quick results.

“They (the AAP) made a number of promises and so did the BJP. But it caused them problems, when they realised that they couldn’t fulfil the promises. Our goals at the time were realistic and we will continue on that trajectory,” Walia said.

However, several party members remained sceptical of the new strategy. “We had spoken about how Arvind Kejriwal was promising Delhi the moon, while we were giving them reality. But people want quick results and we must strive to find a balance,” a senior Congress leader said.

Meanwhile, Walia admitted that the challenge for the Congress — as often reiterated by the party high command — would be to communicate the “achievements of the Congress government in Delhi”.

On Saturday, six Congress MLAs, who had earlier threatened to break away, stated that there was no question of leaving the party. Instead, they alleged that Arvind Kejriwal’s AAP that had approached them for an alliance.

However, party sources suggested that all wasn’t well. “Many in the party are worried. After two defeats, morale in the party is at an all-time low. Talks of a break haven’t stopped within the party, despite what people might say,” said a senior leader.

For now, party insiders said the six Congress MLAs who had threatened to break away are being kept under watch, while the party maintains a unified front.

On Monday, in a meeting of the recently-appointed district observers, DPCC president Arvinder Singh Lovely repeatedly spoke of the need for “vigour and enthusiasm”, while talking of strengthening the party at block and district levels. Apart from Walia, other Congress heavy weights too were brought into the fold to avoid future dissent within the party.