The Jantar-Mantar rally organized by the Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) in Delhi in support of slum dwellers has become a point of political contention. Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal used the platform on Sunday to accuse the BJP of displacing slum dwellers and labeling them as Bangladeshi or Rohingya. However, the Congress has sharply criticized Kejriwal's government, calling the entire campaign a display of crocodile tears.
Delhi Congress President Devender Yadav posted on social media, directly posing 10 questions to the Aam Aadmi Party. He stated that the emotional politics Kejriwal is now playing in the name of slum dwellers is completely different from his past actions. The Congress alleges that the Delhi government itself has been involved in slum removal schemes and is now presenting itself as a messiah to the same people.
Congress's 10 Sharp Questions
• Is it not a fact that on May 8, 2021, Kejriwal's own government approved the "Slum Removal Scheme"?
The Congress alleges that Kejriwal is now opposing the very scheme he approved as Chief Minister.
• Why was the "Where Slum, There House" scheme stopped?
In September 2021, Minister Satyendar Jain announced the closure of this scheme. Now the party is showing support for the same class.
• Why was a 'Sheesh Mahal' (palatial house) built after getting votes in the name of slum dwellers?
The Congress sarcastically asked why crores of rupees were spent on the CM House after getting votes in the name of slum dwellers.
• Why was AAP silent when the rights of slum dwellers were being discussed in the Supreme Court?
The Congress claims they fought the case in court, while AAP remained completely inactive.
• Why wasn't a proposal brought in the Delhi Assembly?
The Congress asked why AAP brings proposals on various issues in the Assembly, but never for the rights of slum dwellers.
• Where were AAP MLAs and ministers during the demolition of slums?
The Congress says that when the slums were being demolished, why were AAP representatives silent?
• Doesn't AAP have a responsibility in the Delhi Municipal Corporation (MCD)?
The Congress indicated that the role of the Aam Aadmi Party, which handles the MCD in the areas where slums are being demolished, is also under question.
• Did the Kejriwal government take any concrete steps on the rehabilitation policy?
The Congress alleges that there is only rhetoric, and nothing has been done on the ground.
• Why wasn't an initiative taken to bring a solid law for slum dwellers?
The Congress asked that if the government was so concerned, why wasn't any law brought in?
• Isn't this demonstration happening only in view of the upcoming elections?
The Congress alleged that this entire campaign is part of an electoral strategy, and not genuinely concerned about slum dwellers.
Poor People's Supporter Image is Just a Show
Devender Yadav said that Kejriwal is now trying to portray himself as a protector of the poor, while his government's entire record is the opposite. The Congress says that leaders who are doing politics in the name of the poor cannot now avoid giving answers. The party also said that if the Chief Minister is really standing in favor of the slum dwellers, then he should first clarify his old policies and decisions.
Increased Conflict in Delhi Politics
Although the Aam Aadmi Party and the Congress are constituents of the 'INDIA' alliance at the center, the conflicts between the two are continuously increasing in Delhi. Especially at a time when political equations are rapidly changing in the capital after the Lok Sabha elections, these questions posed by the Congress are considered to be making the Aam Aadmi Party uncomfortable.
Overall, the Congress has accused the Kejriwal government of adopting a double standard and appealed to the public to recognize the truth and support the real well-wishers instead of the superficial politics. It remains to be seen whether the Aam Aadmi Party answers these questions or deepens this conflict further.
