BJP accuses Atishi of shirking responsibility

New Delhi, August 3
Delhi BJP president Virendra Sachdeva on Saturday criticised minister Atishi for allegedly shirking her responsibilities as the head of the Social Welfare Department, following the recent deaths at the Asha Kiran shelter home for mentally challenged.
Sachdeva accused Atishi of avoiding moral, administrative, and legal accountability, claiming she has not even visited the facility to assess the conditions there.
“It is regrettable to see the senior-most minister of the Kejriwal government, Atishi, denying her ministerial responsibility. She does not want to take moral, administrative and legal responsibility for the shelter home deaths ,” he said.
He further lambasted Atishi for what he termed as “escapism”, highlighting that despite holding the Social Welfare portfolio, she has failed to address the dire situation at Asha Kiran. “It is shameful that Atishi has not even found it important to visit Asha Kiran to see the inhumane conditions prevailing there,” he added.
He referenced a visit by BJP MP Yogender Chandolia to the facility, claiming that the MP had gathered evidence of the “pathetic conditions” at the shelter home. “We will submit this evidence in the magisterial inquiry, and we challenge Atishi to see the evidence and respond,” Sachdeva said.
He also pointed out that, according to a gazette notification dated August 14, 2023, Atishi has been allocated 14 departments, including “Vigilance and all other departments not specifically allotted to any other minister.” He argued that in the absence of another appointed minister, Atishi is responsible for both the Social Welfare and SC/ST Welfare Departments, following the resignation of Raaj Kumar Anand.
He urged Atishi to take moral responsibility for the deaths at Asha Kiran and apologise to the people of Delhi. Sachdeva also criticised the governance of Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal, accusing him of “anarchic working” and insisting on running the government from jail, while also accusing Atishi of avoiding her duties.