Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) leader and Leader of the Opposition in the Delhi Assembly, Atishi, launched a scathing attack on the BJP-led administration following a court-ordered demolition drive at Madrasi Camp in Jangpura, South East Delhi, on June 1.
📢 In a sharp critique posted on X, Atishi said:
“BJP had promised ‘jahan jhuggi, wahan makaan’ (where there is a slum, there will be a house), but as soon as it won the election, it bulldozed the Madrasi camp.”
🧓👩🧒 Atishi, who visited the site on Wednesday (June 4), claimed that displaced residents were heartbroken and regretful about supporting the BJP in the recent Lok Sabha polls. She posted:
“Today, when I went there, women, elderly, youth — everyone cried bitterly. They were saying they made a mistake by voting for the BJP. If Kejriwal were here, he would not have let our slums be demolished.”
⚖️ Court-Directed Demolition & Administration’s Stance
The demolition was executed in line with a court order to address chronic flooding caused by the Barapulla drain being obstructed due to illegal encroachments. The narrow drain had repeatedly caused monsoon flooding, prompting judicial intervention.
🧱 According to Anil Banka, District Magistrate of South East Delhi:
“This action is being carried out as per the court’s orders. The Barapulla drain had become narrow, hindering its cleaning and causing waterlogging in the area. Notices had been served in advance.”
📊 Demolition figures:
- 370 illegal encroachments removed
- 189 residents found eligible for resettlement, allotted flats in Narela
- 181 residents declared ineligible
🏘️ BJP’s Assurances vs. Ground Reality
Delhi Chief Minister Rekha Gupta had earlier stated that the BJP government is committed to the development of slums and had promised that no slum would be demolished under its watch.
However, the latest events have raised questions about:
- The BJP’s “jahan jhuggi, wahan makaan” pledge
- The resettlement criteria, leaving nearly half of the displaced residents without housing
- The communication gap and distress caused among the slum dwellers
🗳️ Political Fallout
This incident is rapidly turning into a flashpoint between the AAP and BJP in the national capital. While BJP cites court compulsion and infrastructure needs, AAP is leveraging the emotional and political fallout among the urban poor — traditionally a key voter base.
With the Delhi Assembly elections due next year, the handling of slum rehabilitation and resettlement could emerge as a major poll issue.
📍Location of Demolition: Madrasi Camp, Jangpura
🏢 Resettlement Flats: Narela
🗓️ Demolition Date: June 1, 2025