‘Double engine’ govt failed to check rising crime in Capital: DPCC chief

Delhi Pradesh Congress Committee (DPCC) president Devender Yadav on Sunday lashed out at the BJP-led government in Delhi and the Centre, accusing the “double engine” regime of failing to control rising crimes against women, children and the elderly in the Capital.

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He claimed that Delhi has now become not only the most polluted city but also the most unsafe place in the country.

Yadav said: “It’s alarming that women are afraid of stepping out even during the daytime. Murders, rapes and assaults are being reported with frightening regularity. Instead of acting, the BJP government is hiding behind tall statements and hollow promises.”

Citing recent crime data, Yadav claimed that Delhi’s crime rate against women stands at 144 per cent, significantly above the national average of 66.4 per cent. “Delhi also leads in crimes against children with 134 per cent (national average 36 per cent) and against the elderly at 144 per cent (national average 7.5 per cent),” he said, blaming the deteriorating law and order on poor governance and lack of police accountability.

Referring to a high-level meeting convened by Union Home Minister Amit Shah shortly after the BJP took over power in Delhi, Yadav said, “Nearly two months have passed since that meeting with the Chief Minister and top police officials, but the crime graph continues to climb. The BJP came to power on the promise of good governance, but criminals are having a free run.”

Yadav also took a swipe at Chief Minister Rekha Gupta, accusing her of engaging in “optics over outcomes.” He said, “Chief Minister Rekha Gupta should stop misleading Delhiites with empty assurances. It’s time for action. The city needs governance, not more statements.”

He further criticised the previous AAP government, calling it “corrupt and hollow.” Yadav said the Kejriwal government’s excise policy led to easy availability of liquor, which in turn drove unemployed youth towards crime. “We are still paying the price for the misgovernance of the last 11 years,” he said.

Yadav said with the BJP ruling at both the Centre and in Delhi, the Rekha Gupta government can no longer shift blame. “If the law-and-order situation continues to deteriorate, it would be a betrayal of the people’s mandate. Delhiites expected better after years of AAP’s failure. The BJP must now deliver,” he said.

He urged the state government to take immediate, meaningful action to restore public confidence and make Delhi safe for all.