Demonstration at Kejriwal's Residence: AAP and BJP Clash Over Purvanchali Electorate

New Delhi, Jan 10 (NationPress) Targeting the Purvanchali voter base in Delhi, the ruling AAP and the Opposition BJP engaged in a fierce exchange regarding the dignity and welfare of migrants from Bihar and eastern Uttar Pradesh, with both parties asserting their commitment as the genuine advocates for these communities.

On Friday, the BJP's women’s wing staged a demonstration outside the residence of AAP leader Arvind Kejriwal in response to his “anti-Purvanchali” remarks. In retaliation, Kejriwal argued that he has enhanced the lives of Purvanchalis by providing essential civic and health services in the unauthorized colonies and slums where many reside.

The city, gearing up for upcoming elections, is witnessing a contest over Purvanchali sentiments. The BJP protested against Kejriwal for his comments on Thursday, where he allegedly labeled Purvanchal residents as “fake voters,” while the AAP accused the BJP of engaging in politics.

In a bid for damage control, Kejriwal blamed the BJP’s central government for neglecting development in the unauthorized colonies housing the Purvanchali community.

“Individuals from Purvanchal come here to reside in slums. Prior to 2014, living conditions in these areas were dire, with mud and sludge everywhere. Development was non-existent. As per the directives from the Supreme Court and central government, no improvements could be made there. More than 90 percent of the population in these slums is from Purvanchal. I challenge the BJP to explain what they have achieved for these areas in the past decade?” stated Kejriwal.

“The BJP is merely a party of protests. They engage in dharnas and demonstrations while indulging in corrupt politics. They are incapable of delivering for the populace,” he added.

Delhi BJP President Virendra Sachdeva responded by stating that Kejriwal’s remarks from the previous evening, where he referred to Purvanchal citizens as “fake voters,” have once again exposed the troubling reality of his mindset.

Sachdeva criticized Kejriwal for appearing to lose his composure due to apprehensions about losing political power, condemning him for disrespecting Purvanchali voters.

The importance of the Purvanchali electorate, predominantly residing in unauthorized colonies in Delhi, is underscored by the fact that even Prime Minister Narendra Modi addressed their concerns during a recent election rally.

PM Modi highlighted that while the Central government is conducting camps to grant ownership rights to unauthorized colony residents, the AAP has failed to provide even basic amenities such as roads and water in these areas.

Approximately 42 percent of Delhi’s 1.55 crore voters are Purvanchalis or migrants from Uttar Pradesh and Bihar, and their votes significantly influence outcomes in nearly half of the city's 70 Assembly constituencies. Key constituencies with a large Purvanchali presence include Burari, Laxmi Nagar, and Dwarka.

In addition to declaring Chhath, a festival celebrated by Purvanchalis, as a holiday in Delhi, the AAP government has been making unique arrangements for this religious event, including the construction of specific ghats near the Yamuna and provision of artificial water ponds in various colonies.

The BJP has been proactively connecting with this community through its Purvanchal Morcha. North East Delhi MP Manoj Tiwari, a singer and actor hailing from Purvanchal, is being positioned by the party as its leading figure from the region.

The Delhi Assembly elections are set for February 5, with results to be announced on February 8.

Currently, the AAP holds 62 seats in the Assembly while the BJP has eight.