Is AAP Playing Politics with Jangpura Demolition?

Synopsis
Delhi BJP President Virendra Sachdeva accuses AAP's Manish Sisodia of politicizing the court-ordered demolition of slums in Jangpura. With a focus on the impact on residents and the BJP's commitment to housing policy, this article sheds light on the ongoing political tug-of-war in Delhi as both parties address housing crises.
Key Takeaways
- Delhi BJP calls out AAP for politicizing slum demolitions.
- Madrasi Camp's location hindered drain cleaning for years.
- BJP emphasizes commitment to housing policies.
- Political leaders criticized for neglecting slum dwellers.
- Need for effective rehabilitation plans highlighted.
New Delhi, June 3 (NationPress) Delhi BJP President Virendra Sachdeva criticized AAP leader and former minister Manish Sisodia on Tuesday for politicizing the court-mandated demolition of a slum located over a significant drain in Jangpura, a neighborhood in South Delhi.
He remarked that Sisodia, who had relocated to Punjab after losing the Assembly election from the Jangpura constituency following his previous term in Patparganj, has left the residents of Delhi astonished with his remarks.
Previously, Sisodia condemned the BJP government in Delhi for the dismantling of the Madrasi Colony slums in Jangpura without providing alternatives for the displaced inhabitants.
The Delhi BJP President emphasized that the presence of the Madrasi Camp on the Barapullah drain had stalled cleaning efforts for almost a decade, leading to waterlogging not just in nearby areas but also affecting several colonies and roads miles away from the slum.
“For almost a year, the need to relocate the Madrasi Camp was known to the then Arvind Kejriwal and Atishi Marlena-led administrations, yet AAP leaders chose to remain silent and failed to formulate rehabilitation plans through DUSIB. Now, they are merely shedding crocodile tears,” stated Sachdeva.
The BJP chief asserted that while the ruling party adheres to the declared policy of “Jahan Jhuggi, Wahan Makaan” (where there’s a slum, there should be a home), AAP leaders must clarify why their government did not initiate measures to provide secure housing for the slum dwellers.
“If individuals, out of desperation, constructed unsafe jhuggis along or over drains years ago, should a compassionate government not offer them safe and improved housing, instead of allowing them to build homes over the drains once again?” he questioned, refuting AAP leaders’ claims of providing alternative housing for the residents of the Madrasi Camp at the current site.
Furthermore, the Delhi BJP President lamented that neither AAP nor Congress leaders have ever genuinely worked to enhance the lives of slum dwellers.
“Instead, they have exploited them as vote banks, forcing them to live in deplorable conditions,” he added.