AAP protests drain deaths, demands L-G’s resignation
Tribune News Service
New Delhi, August 3
The Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) staged a big protest at the L-G Secretariat on Saturday, demanding the resignation of Lieutenant-Governor (L-G) VK Saxena and strict action against the officials responsible for the deaths of a woman and her young son who recently fell into an uncovered drain in Mayur Vihar Phase III under the jurisdiction of the Delhi Development Authority (DDA).
Led by AAP state vice-president and Kondli MLA Kuldeep Kumar, the protest saw the participation of several AAP MLAs along with members of the party’s women, youth and legal wings.
The protesters carried placards reading “L-G Sahab Istifa Do!” (L-G should resign) and “Suspend DDA officials” while raising slogans demanding justice for the victims’ family.
“The woman and her three-year-old son died due to the negligence of the DDA under the L-G,” claimed Kumar. “L-G sir should give them justice and not try to escape the matter. This is not just an accident, but a murder caused by negligence.”
Kumar further accused the L-G of shielding the guilty officials, stating, “If the L-G does not take action and the officials are protected, they will not work honestly. But if action is taken, it will set a precedent, and the officials themselves will take the responsibility.”
AAP leader Reena Gupta also criticised the L-G, accusing him of obstructing the work of the elected Delhi Government. “The L-G is not allowing the Kejriwal government to work. If VK Saxena wants to be the Chief Minister, he should resign and contest elections instead of stopping all the work in Delhi. He is responsible for the DDA, and the woman-son duo died after falling into an open drain under its jurisdiction. Who is accountable for this?” Gupta questioned.
Gupta added, “If the L-G cannot manage the DDA, he should step down from his position.”
The AAP attributed the mishap to the failure of the DDA, an agency under the L-G’s authority. Despite prior demonstrations and demands for action, the AAP leaders said no measures had been taken to address the issue or compensate the victims’ family.
“Our struggle will continue until this family gets justice,” said Kumar, adding, “If no action is taken, we will not hesitate to intensify our protests and even enter the L-G House if necessary.”
