Goel banks on his work, PM?s image

Vijay Goel seemed to be a satisfied man as he took stock of his election campaign with his polling agents on Sunday. Saying that he "felt high", Goel talked of favourable reports. "They are talking about a BJP wave. People also know the kind of work I have done in Chandni Chowk,'' Goel said.

In 1996, when the same candidates had a duel, Goel had defeated Congress' Jagdish Tytler by a 1,600 vote margin. This time, both have campaigned vigorously.

Tytler's also had to battle the ghost of the anti-Sikh riots of 1984. And that's where Goel feels he has an advantage — his own clean image plus the image of Prime Minister Vajpayee. “I think Vajpayeeji's image will help me pull more votes,” Goel said.

But the battle for Sadar took an ugly turn with the police detaining three persons, including Goel's personal security officer on charges of distributing sarees in the Subzi Mandi area of the constituency. The three were later released and a complaint has been forwarded to the Election Commission.

Tytler alleged that this was a clear case of distribution of sarees by supporters of Goel and that action should be taken againt him for “indulging in corrupt practices”.

But Goel claimed that Congress workers were distributing sarees. Goel said he was passing the spot when he was accosted by a crowd that hurled stones at his vehicle. Congress workers were distributing the sarees at that time and “I had only asked my PSO to investigate what was happening,” he said.