By IANS,
New Delhi : It was the day of sabbath for Delhi’s aspiring MPs Friday with the election finally behind them, signalling an end to strenuous days of campaigning in the scorching heat and giving them time to catch up with family, friends, newspapers – or just sleep.
With a week stretching ahead before counting day on May 16, the Lok Sabha candidates who had for weeks followed a strict regime finally breathed easy. Quite happy at the 53 percent voter turnout in the election Thursday, most candidates looked forward to relaxing after their tight schedules.
Union minister Kapil Sibal, who is seeking re-election from the Chandni Chowk constituency, said: “I have been just relaxing at home. I am reading newspapers and magazines and just spending time with my family.”
On being asked if he had any plans to go out with his family, the Congress leader told IANS: “I have no plans as of now. Let’s see.”
Similarly, Congress candidate from Northwest Krishna Tirath said she planned to just relax at home.
Some like Ajay Maken, Congress’ candidate from New Delhi, decided to take a break, not just from the campaigning process but also from the city, and planned a weekend out with the family.
“After the hectic campaigning, I am taking a break and going out of Delhi for three days with my family,” Maken told IANS.
Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) candidate from East Delhi Chetan Chauhan said: “I don’t have any plans for today. My brother passed away recently, therefore we will be busy with some function at home today.”
Their aides were also taking time off.
Sibal’s aide Salim Inamdar said: “I am on holiday today and have no idea of what is happening around!”
However, it was business as usual for some.
BJP candidate of the Chandni Chowk constituency Vijender Gupta had a meeting with party workers lined up for Friday afternoon.
“He (Gupta) slept early last night – at around 10 p.m. Today, he is taking it easy, relaxing at home and catching up with his family. In the afternoon, however, he has a meeting with his party workers,” a close aide said.
Like him, J.P. Aggarwal, Congress candidate from Northeast Delhi, was ready for more work.
“I will go to the party office and meet party workers. There is no chutti (holiday) for politicians since politics is public service and there is never any break from that.”
Urmila Mishra, wife of Mahabal Mishra, Congress candidate from West Delhi, added: “He never gets to rest…even today he woke up as usual at 6.30 a.m. and offered his prayers. After that he has been meeting party workers, fans and people who have come to give their good wishes.”