Political tensions surrounding slum dwellers in Delhi escalated on Sunday as Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) leader Arvind Kejriwal accused the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) of threatening the livelihood of the city’s jhuggi (slum) residents. Kejriwal told slum dwellers that voting for the BJP would amount to signing their “own suicide notes.”
In response, the BJP fired back, labeling Kejriwal a “habitual liar” and accusing him of misleading the public. The verbal spat comes ahead of the upcoming elections in the national capital, with both parties fiercely vying for support among Delhi’s poor and marginalized communities.
Kejriwal’s Accusations
Kejriwal, speaking about the BJP’s alleged plans for slum dwellers, warned that the party would seize the land of slum residents and displace over 4 lakh families in Delhi. His comments followed a statement from Union Home Minister Amit Shah, who had recently assured slum dwellers of “pucca houses” under a government scheme.
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Kejriwal, who has long criticized the BJP, went further, accusing the party of being a “party of the rich” that seeks to undermine the welfare of the poor. He also claimed that the BJP was not concerned about the people living in slums but only interested in the land they occupy.
Puri’s Strong Rebuttal
Union Minister Hardeep Singh Puri quickly hit back, refuting Kejriwal’s claims. He accused the AAP government of blocking the implementation of the Prime Minister’s Affordable Housing Scheme (PM AWAS Yojana) in Delhi over the past decade. “AAP never allowed the PM AWAS scheme to be implemented in Delhi,” Puri said, adding that under the BJP, slum dwellers had received housing assistance through rehabilitation programs.
Puri also pointed to the BJP’s achievements, stating that 4,000 flats for slum dwellers had already been constructed in areas like Kalkaji, Jailorwala Bagh, and Kathputli Colony. He noted that the BJP’s promise of providing 3 crore more affordable homes under the PM AWAS scheme is set to continue in the coming years.
Puri Criticizes Kejriwal’s Leadership
Responding to Kejriwal’s claims that BJP leaders only visit slum areas before elections, Puri declared, “Kejriwal’s story is over. Delhi deserves better.” He questioned Kejriwal’s authority to speak on behalf of the BJP, stating, “Sometimes he says reservations will end if BJP comes to power… who is he to announce our CM candidate?”
Puri also highlighted the AAP government’s failure to fulfill its election promises and accused Kejriwal of obstructing the Central government’s housing initiatives. He further criticized the AAP administration over corruption, specifically the Rs 2,026 crore liquor scam, and the alleged mismanagement of funds in the Delhi Jal Board.
Puri Continues The Attack
The BJP minister did not hold back, labeling Kejriwal’s governance as one of “gimmickry” and highlighting past controversies, including the assault on the Delhi Chief Secretary and the controversial relocation of liquor vends near religious and educational institutions.
In a final jab, Puri stated, “They only indulge in gimmickry. Delhi deserves better than this.”
As the election season heats up, this clash over slum dwellers and their rights is sure to remain a central issue in the battle for Delhi’s future.