Has There Been Zero Effort on the Ground? AAP Challenges BJP Government Over Waterlogging in Delhi
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Synopsis
In a heated exchange, AAP's Ankush Narang criticizes the BJP for the extensive waterlogging in Delhi following recent rainfall, questioning their accountability and commitment to civic maintenance. He highlights the severe impact on residents and challenges the BJP's assurances of effective management.
Key Takeaways
- Severe waterlogging has affected multiple areas in Delhi.
- Criticism from AAP highlights the BJP's failure in civic maintenance.
- Delhi's sewers are in dire need of cleaning and maintenance.
- Residents faced significant delays due to flooding.
- Government claims to be monitoring and addressing issues continuously.
New Delhi, July 11 (NationPress) The Leader of Opposition (LoP) in the Municipal Corporation of Delhi (MCD), Ankush Narang, fiercely criticized the BJP-led civic administration on Friday regarding the extensive waterlogging that has plagued the national capital after recent rains. He accused the ruling party of utterly failing to fulfill its commitments made during the Assembly elections.
In an interview with IANS, AAP leader Ankush Narang stated, “Delhi experienced significant rainfall recently, leading to widespread waterlogging across various locations. I have shared images of multiple affected areas.”
“The Chief Minister of Delhi, Rekha Gupta, assured that there would be no waterlogging this season. Additionally, her minister claimed to have identified 443 vulnerable points and established offices at each site, promising strict measures including suspensions. But, I ask, has even a single person been suspended?”
He also criticized Mayor Raja Iqbal Singh for his comments suggesting that Delhiites were “enjoying the monsoon.”
“The Mayor suggested that this time, residents would enjoy the monsoon. We certainly didn’t realize that their definition of enjoyment involved sewer water flooding our streets, allowing people to swim in it. I had no clue this was part of the plan.”
“Sewage water has accumulated in major areas of Delhi. Honestly, does anyone remember when these sewers were last cleaned? You live here too. Did you witness any cleaning work near your residence? I certainly did not,” he asserted.
Narang further accused the BJP of ignoring fundamental civic maintenance.
“Neither the PWD nor MCD drains were cleaned. Even the protective nets over the drains were neglected. Delhi's sewers are clogged. So why is the BJP evading this reality? Why don’t they accept responsibility and assure us that there will be no future waterlogging in Delhi?”
Narang also criticized Delhi PWD Minister Parvesh Verma.
“Parvesh Verma speaks about conferences, but we need to address the ground reality. Delhi's first major bridge, spanning 100 meters, was inundated. There are no local residents on the bridge to blame. Even there, waterlogging occurred. Meanwhile, the lanes were submerged under three feet of water. Verma should not hide behind conferences; as the PWD Minister, he needs to confront these challenges directly.”
Narang continued, “I haven’t even touched on the smaller lanes yet. Just look at the main PWD roads. Those too were flooded. On that day, commuters had to wait five to six hours to return home.”
“The BJP was solely focused on photo opportunities. Lieutenant Governor V.K. Saxena, Chief Minister Rekha Gupta, and Parvesh Verma all posed for pictures near the drains. Yet, on the ground, nothing was accomplished. It was a complete lack of action. The results are evident: streets and PWD roads have transformed into rivers.”
He concluded by stating that the BJP owes the public an explanation and must take accountability for the chaos in Delhi.
Meanwhile, despite substantial rainfall in the National Capital Region, Chief Minister Rekha Gupta insisted on Thursday that Delhi did not experience significant waterlogging.
During the inauguration of the DDA’s Aarambh Library at Adhchini Village in South Delhi, Gupta assured that her government was “working diligently” to tackle issues in certain affected areas.
She commented, “We are continuously monitoring the situation and have taken steps to minimize inconveniences. Isolated issues are being addressed on a priority basis.”
Point of View
It is imperative to understand the perspectives being shared. The AAP's criticisms of the BJP-led administration highlight the frustrations of citizens who are directly affected by the consequences of inadequate civic maintenance. As a national editor, maintaining an unbiased stance is crucial, while acknowledging the urgency for effective governance and accountability in addressing public concerns.
NationPress
23/07/2025
Frequently Asked Questions
What caused the recent waterlogging in Delhi?
The recent heavy rainfall in Delhi led to extensive waterlogging due to clogged sewers and inadequate maintenance of drainage systems.
What are the AAP's main criticisms of the BJP regarding waterlogging?
AAP leader Ankush Narang criticized the BJP for failing to fulfill their promises regarding infrastructure maintenance and for not addressing the waterlogging problem effectively.
How has the BJP responded to these criticisms?
Delhi Chief Minister Rekha Gupta claimed that the government is actively monitoring the situation and working to resolve isolated issues, despite the criticisms.
What are the implications of this waterlogging issue for residents?
The waterlogging has caused significant inconvenience for residents, leading to long wait times on the roads and affecting daily activities.
What steps are being taken to address the waterlogging?
The government has stated that they are taking steps to minimize inconveniences and are prioritizing the resolution of affected areas.
