Former Delhi CM Atishi Criticizes BJP for Demolishing Slums in Kalkaji, Claims it Targets Poor Migrants
New Delhi, June 11 – A fresh round of demolition by bulldozers took place this morning in the landless camp area of Kalkaji, New Delhi, following an approval from the Delhi High Court. The operation is part of the Delhi Development Authority’s (DDA) campaign against illegal encroachments in the area. Around 1,200 houses are set to be demolished as part of the action, which has sparked strong reactions from political leaders, especially from the Aam Aadmi Party (AAP).
Bulldozer Action in Kalkaji: A Rising Tension
The bulldozer action, which began early in the morning, has been met with stiff resistance and criticism. A large number of Delhi Police and paramilitary forces were deployed to ensure law and order amid the demolition drive. Authorities are on high alert due to the possibility of protests from the affected residents.
The demolition operation has been authorized by the DDA, after issuing an eviction notice to the residents of the landless camp. However, the timing and execution of the action have led to political clashes, particularly with opposition leaders like Atishi, who have raised concerns about the impact on the poor and marginalized communities living in these areas.
Atishi’s Strong Reaction: A Political Clash
Atishi, Leader of Opposition in the Delhi Assembly and a prominent AAP leader, has strongly criticized the ruling BJP over the demolition drive. In her statement, Atishi questioned whether the BJP was trying to force the poor people, especially migrants from UP and Bihar, out of Delhi.
She pointed out that these residents have lived in Kalkaji’s landless camp for 20 to 40 years, and were promised homes by the BJP before elections. Atishi claimed that, despite these promises, bulldozers have now been used to tear down the settlements.
Atishi’s Accusations: BJP’s Broken Promises
In a video posted on Instagram, Atishi shared footage of the bulldozer action, showing the devastation as homes were razed to the ground. She expressed her frustration over the contradictory statements made by Delhi BJP Chief Rekha Gupta. Just three days ago, Gupta had assured that no slum would be demolished, but today, the entire landless camp in Kalkaji was being vacated.
Atishi posed the question: “Does BJP want the poor to run away from Delhi?” She further added that the BJP government had promised “houses for the slum dwellers” during election campaigns, but now it appears that they are using bulldozers instead of fulfilling their promises.
DDA’s Official Response: Legal Backing for the Demolition
The Delhi Development Authority (DDA), however, maintains that the action is in compliance with a court order. The DDA claims that the landless camp is located on public land and was built through illegal encroachments. According to DDA officials, the eviction notice was issued after the slum dwellers failed to vacate the area within the prescribed time limit.
A DDA spokesperson stated, “The demolition is being carried out on the orders of the court, and this action is in line with the rules against illegal encroachments. This operation is part of the broader effort to clear public spaces and make way for development.”
Political and Legal Backdrop: A Tense Situation
The situation in Govindpuri, part of Kalkaji, has intensified as the bulldozer action enters its second day. What was originally a legal issue has now turned into a political battleground. Atishi has been vocal in opposing the demolition, calling out BJP’s broken promises to the poor and underprivileged, while also demanding that these residents be provided proper housing as promised during the elections.
In response, BJP leaders have stressed that this is part of a court-ordered process, which cannot be ignored. The party maintains that the demolition is necessary to address the issue of illegal encroachments and clear up public land.
The Larger Debate: Slum Dwellers and Housing in Delhi
The issue of slum demolition and housing rights in Delhi is a longstanding and contentious topic. While the AAP government has focused on providing free or affordable housing to the poor in Delhi, the BJP-controlled DDA often justifies its actions by referring to legal precedents and the need to clear encroachments.
The residents of Kalkaji’s landless camp, who have been living in these slums for decades, are now facing an uncertain future. With the BJP promising affordable housing during election campaigns, many are left wondering if the promises will ever materialize. Atishi’s accusations highlight the ongoing challenge of balancing urban development with the welfare of the city’s marginalized communities.
Conclusion: A Divisive Issue in Delhi Politics
As the demolition continues, the AAP-BJP divide over the issue of slum clearance and housing in Delhi continues to widen. The plight of the affected residents remains at the center of the debate, with political leaders and social activists calling for greater efforts to provide affordable housing and better living conditions for the poor.
While the DDA’s legal action may have been approved by the courts, it has sparked a larger conversation about the rights of the poor in the capital. Whether the BJP will fulfill its promises to the slum dwellers remains to be seen, but for now, the bulldozers in Kalkaji have become a symbol of political conflict and the struggle for urban equality.
