Delhi's Political Climate Heats Up Over Slum Demolition Protests
Protests Erupt Against Slum Demolition in Delhi
The ongoing campaign against slum demolitions in the national capital has intensified political tensions in Delhi. In response to the government's actions, the Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) organized a significant protest at Jantar Mantar on Sunday. Prominent leaders from AAP, including former Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal, Manish Sisodia, Saurabh Bhardwaj, and Sanjay Singh, participated in the demonstration, targeting the ruling BJP government.
Kejriwal Accuses BJP of Eyeing Land
During the protest, Kejriwal criticized the BJP, stating, 'Before the elections, I released a video urging voters not to support them (BJP), as they are after your land. If you vote for them, they will demolish your slums within a year.' He further lamented, 'I warned that they would act within a year, but who knew they would destroy homes in just five months, wreaking havoc across Delhi.'
Kejriwal accused the BJP of ruining Delhi, saying, 'They have devastated the city with bulldozers. In this extreme heat, at 50 degrees Celsius, they are demolishing the homes of the poor, forcing them onto the streets.' He emphasized the plight of the impoverished, stating, 'A poor person works near their slum... if the slum is destroyed, their livelihood is also lost... they have left the poor to fend for themselves.'
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Kejriwal Critiques Modi's Housing Guarantee
Kejriwal also took aim at Prime Minister Narendra Modi's promise of 'housing where there are slums,' sarcastically suggesting that the true implication was 'where there are slums, there will be fields.' He remarked, 'Vote for us, and we will demolish all slums, leaving the poor on the streets. They are systematically erasing your homes.'
He warned the BJP, saying, 'A senior BJP leader claimed they would demolish all slums in Delhi. They seem to forget that 4 million people live in these slums. The day these 4 million take to the streets, they will remember this.' Kejriwal urged the public to maintain their unity, stating, 'Your greatest strength is your unity. Now is the time to raise your voice.'
Public Response and Future Actions
The protest reflects growing discontent among residents affected by the demolition campaign. AAP leaders are calling for continued mobilization and solidarity among the community to resist further actions by the government.