New Delhi: Having lost political ground in both Lok Sabha and Delhi Assembly elections, Congress on Sunday sought to reconnect with people, with its state unit launching an outreach programme for senior citizens of the city.
"We want to tell old people living in the city that we care for them. And, the idea of this programme is not born out of politics but a will to serve the people and seek their welfare," Delhi Pradesh Congress Committee (DPCC) President Ajay Maken said.
The former Union minister launched the programme called 'Aapke Dwar Shravan Kumar' from the party's local office in Kotla Mubarkpur area in south Delhi.
"Though Delhi Police has a similar scheme for senior citizens, we felt that was not so effective, so we want to reach out to them for their well-being," Maken claimed.
According to the programme, the party will maintain a database of senior citizens, aged 70 and above, and an assigned party worker will be available in different areas, in person or on the telephone, to lend any help sought by such persons.
"The idea is to reach out to old people, who are so vulnerable to being defrauded or being preyed upon by unscrupulous elements, especially when they are alone at home or out in public all by themselves," he said.
"So, we will tell them to be careful while talking to strangers, when they are alone or keep as little valuables at home as possible, among other precautions," he added.
The DPCC chief said, after getting the name and phone number of such citizens, the information will be provided to the police commissioner.
"On first Saturday of each month, the party will celebrate the birthday of all such senior citizens, whose dates of birth fall in that month. We celebrate birthdays of party leaders, then why can't we do it for senior citizens, who need support from the society," he added.
A pamphlet containing details about the programme and telephone numbers of government dispensaries and hospitals, and different police stations was also handed out.
Congress received serious drubbing in last Lok Sabha and Delhi Assembly polls, drawing a blank in both the hustings.
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