New Delhi: As the Delhi assembly elections draw near, the war of words between political parties is escalating on a daily basis. On Sunday, Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) national convenor and former Delhi chief minister Arvind Kejriwal alleged that the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) plans to demolish all slums in the capital if voted to power in the upcoming polls.
Speaking to reporters in Shakur Basti, Kejriwal accused the BJP of prioritising land acquisition over the welfare of slum residents. “They want your votes first and your land after the elections,” he said, calling their ‘Jahan Jhuggi Wahan Makaan’ scheme a mere eyewash.
‘BJP planning to take over slum residents’ land’
Highlighting the BJP’s track record, he stated, “In the past five years, they have constructed only 4,700 flats for slum dwellers,” and accused the party of failing to address housing needs while allegedly planning to take over land occupied by slum residents.
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Kejriwal’s remarks were echoed by senior AAP leader Satyendar Jain, the party’s candidate from Shakur Basti constituency. Jain has won the seat thrice consecutively since 2013.
Kejriwal urged voters to prioritise the welfare of slum dwellers and accused the BJP of treating them as an afterthought. “They will demolish all slums and acquire the land without any concern for the people living there,” he warned.
Triangular contest in Delhi
With the assembly elections scheduled for February 5 and results to be announced on February 8, the AAP is aiming for a third consecutive full term. The party won a landslide victory in 2020, securing 62 of the 70 seats.
AAP which has already declared its candidates for the polls is facing twin challenges from both Congress and BJP. Several seats in the city are poised to witness a three-way battle. Kejriwal and Delhi CM Atishi are facing challenges from New Delhi and Kalkaji assembly seats.
