Chandni Chowk MP slams AAP for neglecting constituencies
Chandni Chowk MP Praveen Khandelwal accused the AAP Government of neglecting the development of all 10 Assembly constituencies within the Chandni Chowk Parliamentary region.
Addressing a press conference on Monday, Khandelwal highlighted the poor state of infrastructure, lack of basic amenities and alleged discriminatory practices by AAP MLAs in delivering government services, particularly on religious lines.
“Chandni Chowk, one of the largest revenue-generating regions in Delhi, is a historic area that includes Shahjahanabad, Old Delhi and newly developed DDA colonies. Despite its economic importance, all Assembly areas in this region are in a state of neglect,” said Khandelwal, pointing to the dire conditions that residents in these constituencies face.
Khandelwal stressed that various colonies in the region, stretching from ITO and Delhi Gate to Pitampura and Paschim Vihar, were struggling with overflowing sewers, dirty drinking water, broken roads, power and Internet cables hanging precariously and lack of public toilets, particularly in market areas. He accused the AAP Government of neglecting the basic needs of the people while focusing on selective areas.
Khandelwal said three key Assembly constituencies in the historic Shahjahanabad region — Matia Mahal, Ballimaran and Chandni Chowk — remain in a deteriorating condition. “These areas, which host iconic landmarks like the Red Fort and are crucial commercial centres, remain in deplorable conditions. Despite being central to Delhi’s cultural and commercial identity, they are being ignored,” he said.
The MP alleged that AAP MLAs from these constituencies were engaging in divisive politics, focusing on Muslim-majority areas while ignoring development in other parts.
He said: “There is severe water shortage in Matia Mahal. While Muslim-majority areas have been given access to bore well water, Hindu-dominated Sitaram Bazaar has been denied this facility for the past 10 years,” Khandelwal claimed.
Khandelwal alleged that Ballimaran, known for its bustling wholesale markets, was facing discrimination. “The local MLA has neglected Hindu-majority areas, particularly Dalit-majority areas such as Haider Kuli and Punjabi Mohalla, and favored Muslim-majority areas like Idgah and Basti Julahan," he said.
“Chandni Chowk was redeveloped a few years ago, but has now fallen into neglect. Residents in areas like Khari Baoli, Fatehpuri and Naya Bazaar suffer from broken roads and lack of basic amenities, while the focus remains on Muslim-majority areas such as Jama Masjid and Tilak Bazaar," Khandelwal added.
“Sadar Bazaar, which is one of the Asia’s largest marketplaces, is plagued with encroachments, overflowing garbage and unorganised traffic," he said, accusing AAP leaders of failing to address these issues since 2013.
Once a well-developed area, Model Town has now deteriorated into slum-like conditions, according to Khandelwal, who pointed to infrastructural neglect, water shortages, and inadequate parking facilities.
Khandelwal claimed that poor garbage collection, broken roads and open sewers continue to be majpor civic issues in the Adarsh Nagar constituency, home to the famous Azadpur Market. "Corruption in market operations has further tarnished the area’s reputation," he added.
“Shalimar Bagh, once developed under former Delhi CM Sahib Singh, now struggles with drainage issues and poor sanitation," Khandelwal said.
Wazirpur area is more infamous for political corruption than for development. While slum areas have sanitation issues, planned colonies like Ashok Vihar grapple with water and sewerage problems, he added.
Khandelwal claimed that the Shakur Basti constituency's development came to a standstill after its MLA, Satyendar Jain, was jailed over corruption charges.
According to Khandelwal, residents in Tri Nagar get contaminated water. They also continue to grapple with inadequate healthcare facilities.
Khandelwal said: “Residents across all 10 Assembly constituencies are looking towards the BJP for a change. The BJP is committed to transforming this region and restoring its former glory".
