Why is Kejriwal Criticizing Slum Demolitions in Delhi?
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Synopsis
The political landscape in Delhi is heating up as AAP's Arvind Kejriwal accuses the BJP of displacing the poor. With fierce exchanges and rising tensions, this controversy raises critical questions about governance and the welfare of slum dwellers. Kejriwal's claims and the BJP's defense paint a vivid picture of the ongoing struggle in the capital.
Key Takeaways
- Politics over slum demolitions is escalating in Delhi.
- Kejriwal criticizes the BJP for displacing the poor.
- The BJP defends demolitions citing security threats.
- Opposition parties accuse Kejriwal of inaction during his tenure.
- Residents face dire consequences from these demolitions.
New Delhi, June 29 (NationPress) The political clash over slum demolitions in Delhi escalated on Sunday, with AAP National Convenor and former chief minister Arvind Kejriwal accusing the ruling BJP of displacing impoverished residents. In response, the BJP defended its actions against the dwellings of Rohingyas and Bangladeshis, claiming they pose a security risk to the community.
The Congress party also criticized Kejriwal, suggesting he was merely feigning concern for slum dwellers while failing to rehabilitate any poor families during his 11-year tenure in Delhi.
While addressing a gathering of slum residents and AAP activists at Jantar Mantar, Kejriwal instigated a citywide protest against the demolitions, rallying 45 lakh slum dwellers to unite and charging the BJP with using bulldozers against slums just five months after taking power.
“I warned before the election that the BJP would demolish slums within one year, but they have acted within just five months,” he stated, condemning the government for leaving evicted residents exposed to the elements in the scorching summer heat, forcing children to abandon their education.
He criticized the BJP’s promise to provide housing for slum dwellers, noting, “Even the slums where their leaders once sought refuge are not spared anymore,” asserting that these residents are vital to the city's economy.
Kejriwal warned that if the BJP continued its demolitions, then the Rekha Gupta government would not complete its five-year term.
He further condemned the BJP for persistent power outages, water scarcity, flooding, and the rebranding of ‘Mohalla Clinics’ throughout the city, cautioning supporters that the BJP plans to eliminate the free electricity scheme for the underprivileged. He also criticized the government for permitting private schools to increase fees.
Kejriwal hinted at a collusion between the Congress and BJP, arguing that while the AAP government refrained from demolishing any slums during its time in office, both parties have a history of doing so.
In response to Kejriwal’s remarks, Delhi Minister Manjinder Singh Sirsa asserted that the BJP would not allow Rohingyas and Bangladeshis, whom they regard as a security threat to other residents, to remain in the country, and their establishments would be dismantled.
“Kejriwal wishes to accommodate individuals who endanger the safety of women and girls in the city, but they will not be permitted to stay in the capital. If he truly cares about Rohingyas and Bangladeshis, he should take them into his home,” Sirsa remarked.
Delhi Congress President Devender Yadav claimed that Kejriwal was displaying false compassion for slum residents. “I ask him how many of the 45,000 homes constructed for the poor under the Congress government were allocated to slum dwellers by the AAP government?”
Yadav asserted that Kejriwal is shedding “crocodile tears” today but has no justification for not rehabilitating a single slum dweller over the past 11 years.
Point of View
The demolition of slums in Delhi raises significant questions about urban policy and social responsibility. As political parties clash over this issue, it is essential to prioritize the welfare of vulnerable populations. The discourse should focus on creating sustainable solutions rather than merely engaging in political point-scoring.
NationPress
29/06/2025
Frequently Asked Questions
What prompted the recent slum demolitions in Delhi?
The BJP government justified the demolitions by claiming that dwellings of Rohingyas and Bangladeshis pose a security threat.
How has Arvind Kejriwal responded to these demolitions?
Kejriwal has accused the BJP of rendering poor people homeless and has called for a citywide protest against the demolitions.
What criticism has Kejriwal faced from the opposition?
The Congress party has accused him of not rehabilitating any slum dwellers during his 11-year rule, despite expressing concern now.
What impact do demolitions have on slum dwellers?
Demolitions force residents into the open, risking their safety and disrupting children's education.
Are there any promises made to slum dwellers by the BJP?
The BJP had promised housing for slum residents, but this promise is now in question as demolitions continue.
