Delhi inferno triggers political slugfest

The devastating fire at a commercial establishment in Malviya Nagar that claimed 21 lives on Wednesday sparked a fierce political confrontation, with the BJP, AAP and Congress accusing one another of negligence, corruption and regulatory failures that allegedly allowed the establishment to operate in violation of safety norms.

The opposition Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) launched a sharp attack on the BJP Government, alleging administrative failure and an inadequate emergency response.

Delhi AAP chief Saurabh Bharadwaj questioned the government’s handling of the tragedy and accused Chief Minister Rekha Gupta of failing to personally reach out to the affected families.

“Delhi is shattered, furious and in tears. Yet the Chief Minister hasn’t shown her face at the spot and has only issued statements. This isn’t leadership,” Bharadwaj said, while also alleging delays in the arrival of fire tenders.

He further criticised the government’s response, saying, “Twenty-one people were burnt alive. Several victims had come from other countries or were in Delhi for medical treatment. Instead of accepting responsibility, the government is blaming those who died in the fire.”

Ankush Narang, AAP’s Leader of Opposition in the MCD, alleged that the establishment had permission for only six rooms but was operating around 25 rooms without mandatory fire clearances.

“There was neither a fire NOC nor a proper fire exit. The question is under whose protection all this was happening right under the nose of the BJP-ruled MCD,” Narang said, demanding suspension of officials responsible and a fair investigation.

The Congress also targeted the BJP government and civic agencies, alleging systemic failures behind the tragedy.

Delhi Congress president Devender Yadav, who visited the site with party leaders, said the incident exposed “incompetence and corruption” in governance.

“Until the complicity of the BJP government, MCD, DDA, Fire Department and other agencies in illegal construction activities is ended, such incidents will continue to happen and people will continue to die,” Yadav said.

He also criticised Chief Minister Rekha Gupta for not visiting the site and demanded a high-level probe to fix accountability.

The BJP hit back, accusing the previous AAP government of enabling illegal operations through lax licensing.

Delhi BJP president and Union Minister of State Harsh Malhotra alleged that the hotel was operating on the basis of an incomplete Bed and Breakfast licence issued during the AAP government’s tenure in 2024.

“The chaotic state of hotels in Delhi today is the result of years of corruption and the nexus between hoteliers and previous governments,” Malhotra said.

Targeting Bharadwaj, he said, “The Tourism Department granted the incomplete licence during his tenure as a minister. He must explain how such negligence occurred under his watch.”

Malhotra said the BJP government had already ordered inspections of hotels, motels and similar establishments across Delhi and warned that any violations would lead to immediate closure and disconnection of utility services.