Short Description
Delhi BJP accusations against AAP’s Kejriwal highlight ongoing issues of homelessness and slum rehabilitation, as promises of improved living conditions come under scrutiny.
Read Time
3 minutes, 45 seconds
Main Article
In a recent press event, Delhi BJP chief Virendra Sachdeva targeted the Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) and its leader Arvind Kejriwal over inadequate measures for improving the living conditions of slum dwellers in the capital. For over a decade, critics assert, little has been done to uplift the standard of living for people residing in the approximately 700 slums scattered across Delhi. Sachdeva questioned the effectiveness of schemes offered by the government, including the Delhi Urban Shelter Improvement Board (DUSIB), emphasizing that if the BJP were to take power, every homeless individual would have access to housing under the Pradhan Mantri Awas Yojana.
One of the major points brought forward by Sachdeva is his commitment to the mantra “Jahan Jhuggi Wahin Makaan,” which translates to “Home Where the Hut Is.” This policy seeks to ensure that slum dwellers are not uprooted from their communities but are provided with proper housing and essential services. Sachdeva believes that this program, alongside DDA initiatives, will significantly improve living conditions by promoting in-situ rehabilitation for slum residents. Furthermore, he claimed that the BJP plans to transform the Nehru Camp, where he celebrated his birthday, into a model slum—complete with sanitation and other necessary amenities—by January 2026.
Critics of Kejriwal highlighted the contrast between his claims of providing free utilities and the reality faced by many residents in areas like Patparganj, where monthly electricity bills can range from ₹2,000 to ₹8,000. Such high charges are a stark reminder of the struggles faced by slum-dwelling families, whose income is often consumed by basic utility costs. Sachdeva pointed out that while PM Modi’s administration has made significant strides in housing initiatives, the current AAP government has fallen short in addressing the dire needs of the city’s poorest residents.
Moreover, Sachdeva’s criticisms extended to Kejriwal’s handling of the Rajiv Awas Yojana, where 50,000 flats in Narela have reportedly fallen into disrepair without being allotted to anyone in need. The BJP’s strategy is clear; by emphasizing housing and manual labor empowerment, they aim to dismantle AAP’s stronghold and appeal to the significant population living in unsafe and unsanitary conditions.
Short Summary
The BJP’s aggressive stance against AAP regarding slum rehabilitation and housing promises reveals significant political rivalry in Delhi. With the focus on improving the living standards for slum-dwelling individuals, the public eye remains on the commitments made by each party. The upcoming electoral decisions will greatly impact the future of Delhi’s homeless and economically disadvantaged populations.
