Delhi BJP Stages Protest Against High Electricity Bills, Water Woes in Slums

The Delhi BJP held a protest on Sunday against Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal, citing high electricity bills and unclean water in East Delhi's Chitra Vihar slums. City BJP president Virendra Sachdeva led the demonstration, accusing the government of neglecting basic amenities for the residents.

Allegations and Counterclaims

Sachdeva criticised the administration, stating, "What is the mistake of these slum-dwellers that they are getting this dirty water? They live in Delhi where Kejriwal makes false promises. He does not fulfil any promise." He highlighted that residents face high power and water bills while receiving dirty water.

In response, the AAP dismissed these claims as theatrics. An AAP leader remarked, "The BJP rendered Delhi's jhuggi dwellers homeless through large-scale demolition drives by its agencies, including the Delhi Development Authority, Railways, and the Archaeological Survey of India."

Residents' Plight

Shyam Bai, a resident of the slum, shared her grievances with Videos. "The problem is that we are not getting clean water. We have been living here for 40 years; nobody is giving us a place to live. We are fed up with paying high electricity bills," she said. She also mentioned that her family of 12 only receives 15 kilograms of food.

Another resident, Jyoti, pointed out the lack of medical facilities in the area. "We want at least a dispensary to be there so that we don't have to go far away for minor health issues," she stated.

Political Promises and Criticisms

Sachdeva assured residents that their bills would be reimbursed if a BJP chief minister is elected in the upcoming Delhi elections. He urged them to keep their bills as proof.

The AAP countered by blaming the BJP for failing to deliver on their primary responsibility of cleaning and sanitation during their 15-year rule of the MCD. The party claimed that current access to free 24x7 electricity and water in these areas is due to AAP's efforts in MCD.

The AAP further accused the BJP of issuing demolition notices through its agencies, threatening the homes of slum dwellers.

The ongoing political tussle highlights the challenges faced by slum residents in East Delhi, with both parties blaming each other for their woes.