Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) national convener Arvind Kejriwal has harshly criticized the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP), claiming that the slums in Delhi will be demolished within the next five years, leaving many residents homeless.
Allegations Against BJP’s Concern for Slum Dwellers
Kejriwal accused BJP leaders of showing false concern for slum dwellers, saying, “They didn’t stay in the slums for long, but their leaders have been there for the past month. They don’t care about the slum residents. The BJP is a party for the rich.” He further claimed that the BJP sees slum dwellers only as votes during elections and not as people deserving of real help. “They love the land and the votes, but not the people,” Kejriwal stated.
Kejriwal Slams Amit Shah’s Statement on Housing
In response to Union Home Minister Amit Shah’s recent speech, Kejriwal accused him of lying to Delhi’s slum dwellers. He referred to Shah’s promise, “Jaha jhuggi, waha makaan,” and said, “The BJP means, ‘Jaha jhuggi, waha inke dost ke makaan.'”
Lack of Progress on Housing
Kejriwal pointed out that under the BJP’s rule, only 4,700 houses have been built in Delhi since 2014, while there are over 4 lakh slums in the city. He criticized the BJP’s inability to address the housing needs of slum dwellers, stating, “If 4,700 houses were built in 10 years, it will take 1,000 years to provide homes to all slum residents.”
Concerns Over Future of Slum Dwellers
Kejriwal warned that, in the next five years, Delhi’s slums would be demolished, and their residents would be left homeless. He stressed that the BJP does not have a genuine plan to build homes for slum dwellers.
BJP Criticizes AAP Government
In response, the BJP has accused the AAP-led government of corruption, inefficiency, and failure to address rising pollution levels. They have also coined the term “AAPda” to describe what they call the harmful impact of AAP’s governance on Delhi.
AAP Hits Back at BJP
The AAP, on the other hand, has labeled the BJP as the “Galli Galoch Party,” accusing it of using dishonest tactics and engaging in electoral fraud.
Delhi Assembly Elections Nearing
The Delhi Assembly elections are scheduled for February 5, with votes being counted on February 8. Nominations must be filed by January 17, and the last date for withdrawing candidacies is January 20.
Congress’s Decline in Delhi Politics
The Congress party, which once dominated Delhi for 15 years, has struggled in recent elections, failing to secure any seats. Meanwhile, AAP emerged victorious in the 2020 elections, winning 62 out of 70 seats, while the BJP secured just eight.
