Delhi Chief Minister Atishi has strongly criticized the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP), accusing it of being “anti-poor” after the termination of 10,000 bus marshals. The marshals were left jobless following a decision by Delhi Lieutenant Governor VK Saxena in October last year. Addressing the public at the ‘Janta Ki Adalat’ on Sunday, Atishi condemned the BJP for allegedly breaking its promise to regularize the marshals’ jobs.
Bus Marshal Protest and BJP’s “Broken Promise”
The bus marshals, employed to ensure safety on Delhi’s public buses, have been protesting their termination, demanding reinstatement. The Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) has claimed that the BJP, through LG Saxena, failed to uphold their commitment to regularize the marshals’ positions after the Atishi-led cabinet passed a resolution supporting it. Atishi argued, “The BJP and LG have taken away the jobs of 10,000 poor bus marshals, leaving them jobless and homeless, exposing the dirty politics of the BJP.”
Atishi criticized BJP’s track record, accusing the party of working against the interests of the poor. She cited examples of slum demolitions, halted pensions for the elderly, and other policies that allegedly harm Delhi’s underprivileged. According to Atishi, BJP’s actions are in stark contrast to AAP’s governance, which she argued has transformed Delhi, particularly in education, healthcare, and public utilities.
Praising Kejriwal’s Leadership
Atishi lauded AAP’s work under former Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal, highlighting his achievements in improving Delhi’s infrastructure, education, and health systems over the last decade. She recalled how power cuts, expensive electricity, and water shortages were rampant before 2015, but under Kejriwal’s leadership, the situation improved dramatically, benefiting the common man. “Delhi is now the only city where there is 24/7 electricity, government schools outshine private institutions, and people have access to free and quality healthcare,” she remarked.
Atishi argued that BJP is “scared” of AAP’s success, particularly in areas such as free bus services for women, mohalla clinics, and the improvement of government schools and hospitals. She claimed that BJP’s attempts to undermine AAP are motivated by fear of Kejriwal’s popularity and his pro-people policies. “Today, 11 lakh women travel for free on DTC buses thanks to Kejriwal, and BJP is scared of this success,” Atishi stated.
With the Delhi Assembly elections expected in February next year, Atishi positioned herself as the torchbearer of Kejriwal’s vision. Following Kejriwal’s recent release from jail and subsequent resignation as Chief Minister, Atishi was chosen as his successor, signaling a new chapter for AAP’s leadership in the capital.
