Why is everyone saying that Chief Minister Sheila Dikshit is going to lose Delhi’s election? 

I was in Delhi since last week and just can believe how political chit chat dominated a reception hosted by Sir Dickie Stagg, British High Commissioner, at his residence on Tuesday evening. I’m not referring to British politics and the fortunes of Gordon Brown, but firstly of Obama (who’s since won the contest) and secondly of Sheila Dikshit, Chief Minister of Delhi.

As per my knowledge and experience of Delhi, she’s done very well in her tenure of ten years. I can’t believe the change in climate – less smog and pollution, a brand spanking new metro network, the commonwealth games etc. For this reason, I just can’t understand why everyone is saying that she’s toast. Not one person has said that she’s going to win.

The challenger, Dr Malhotra of the BJP, has a good reputation and from what I’m told,  heralded some positive changes when he ran Delhi as a civil servant in the 50’s. Since then, he’s climbed up the political greasy pole and is the Deputy Leader of the BJP in the Upper House of the Indian Parliament. He’d make a good Chief Minister. His credentials are good. But, we also know that no matter how good a challenger is, the burden lies with the incumbent, it’s Sheila Dikshit’s election to lose. At least, that’s what political wisdom would suggest.

I can understand the reasons why Obama ran a campaign promising change, but I really can’t understand the basis of Delhiites demanding political change in their city.

Any ideas?