BJP leader accuses AAP of betraying Delhi’s poor

BJP candidate and senior leader Parvesh Verma on Monday accused the AAP of betraying Delhi’s poor by failing to deliver on promises of providing housing for slum dwellers.

Verma revealed that in 2013, the Delhi Urban Shelter Improvement Board (DUSIB) had collected a huge amount from poor families, promising them permanent homes. Some families paid as much as Rs 1,50,000. Even after 12 years, most of them are still waiting for their promised houses.

“The Kejriwal government took their hard-earned money, but failed to deliver on its commitments,” said Verma.

Verma told the media that the scheme to provide homes for slum dwellers was originally initiated by the Sheila Dikshit-led government, which resulted in the construction of houses in areas like Savda Ghevra and Baprola. However, when Kejriwal assumed power, the process of allocating these homes stalled.

“Under Kejriwal, the allocation of homes came to a halt. Instead of fulfilling his promises, the government ignored the plight of the poor and wasted the money they paid,” he said.

Verma also pointed out that more than 8,000 homes in Delhi, fully constructed and ready for allocation, remain unoccupied, while the Kejriwal government focuses on its own luxury.

“The government chose to break and rebuild bungalows for the Chief Minister, creating extravagant palaces for himself, while the poor are left homeless,” he added.

The BJP leader also highlighted the Kejriwal government’s record of demolishing slums. “In the past year, hundreds of slums in areas like Silver Oak Park, Ramesh Nagar and Karol Bagh were demolished, leaving entire families homeless,” Verma said. “Despite repeated appeals from the affected families, the government took no action,” he said.

Verma praised the achievements of the Modi Government, particularly the Pradhan Mantri Awas Yojana (PMAY), which provided homes to millions of underprivileged families across the country.

“Under PM Modi, the government has been working tirelessly to empower the poor. Recently, 1,675 homes were allotted to families in Ashok Vihar,” Verma noted, emphasising the contrast in priorities between the two administrations.

At the press conference, several victims from Delhi’s slums shared their personal stories, detailing their struggles. “In 2013, we paid thousands of rupees believing we would get homes. Now, after 12 years, we have neither homes nor justice,” said a victim, echoing the sentiments of many who attended.