Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) leader and Greater Kailash assembly candidate Saurabh Bhardwaj has accused the BJP-led central government of demolishing 12 slum clusters in Delhi over the past two years. Bhardwaj further alleged that the central government has filed court cases seeking the demolition of more slums and demanded the withdrawal of these cases to demonstrate genuine concern for slum dwellers.
Speaking to ANI on Tuesday, Bhardwaj stated, “In the last two years, the BJP government and its agencies have demolished about 12 slums in Delhi. Several cases have been filed in court by the central government, demanding further demolitions. If the BJP truly cares for the slum dwellers, it should withdraw all these cases within the next two days.”
Bhardwaj, the sitting MLA, is contesting against BJP’s Shikha Rai and Congress’ Garvit Singhvi for the Greater Kailash assembly seat in the upcoming Delhi elections.
Meanwhile, Union Minister Ravneet Singh Bittu criticized AAP chief and Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal, questioning why slums continue to exist in the city despite his three terms in office. “Kejriwal should answer why slums remain in Delhi after being CM three times. Now he is indulging in slum politics, offering false promises like giving ₹1,000. He does the same in Punjab and cheats the people of Delhi in the same way. His expiry date has arrived,” Bittu said.
On Monday, Kejriwal addressed slum dwellers during a public rally, warning them about the BJP’s intentions. “I want to warn the slum dwellers that BJP leaders, who are now staying in slums, don’t love you—they love your votes. After the elections, they will sell off your land,” Kejriwal alleged.
In response, the BJP has launched a campaign to connect with slum residents, titled “Where There’s a Slum, There’s a House.” As part of this initiative, BJP leaders, including MPs and MLAs, have been staying overnight in slum areas to directly engage with residents.
The Delhi Assembly elections are set to take place in a single phase on February 5, with votes being counted on February 8. A total of 699 candidates are competing for the 70 assembly seats.
The AAP, which dominated the 2015 and 2020 elections by winning 67 and 62 seats respectively, will aim to retain its stronghold. The BJP, which managed only three and eight seats in the previous elections, is looking to make significant gains. The Congress, which ruled Delhi for 15 years before being ousted in 2013, has struggled to regain its foothold, failing to win any seats in the last two assembly elections.