Delhi demolitions going on despite LS passing Bill, says BJP

New Delhi, May 15 (UNI) The BJP today charged the UPA government with being a ''helpless spectator'' while officials of the Municipal Corporation continue with demolitions in Delhi despite the Lok Sabha having passed the Bill intended to provide a relief to the people of the capital.

Initiating a debate on the Delhi Laws (Special Provisions) Bill, moved by Urban Development Minister S Jaipal Reddy for giving a one-year moratorium on demolition of unauthorised commercial and residential premises in the Rajya Sabha, senior BJP leader Sushma Swaraj said the MCD officials are continuing with the ruthless drive.

''Officials are getting sadistic pleasure and going about the demolition drive even after the Parliamentary intent was conveyed with the passage of the Bill in the Lok Sabha'', she said.

Noting that the livelihoods of thousands of people were destroyed in the metropolis, Ms Swaraj said this could have been avoided had the government brought in an Ordinance at the right time. ''Even after Parliament re-assembled after the recess, no urgency was shown towards this Bill. Instead, the government was more bothered about pushing the Office of Profit Bill,'' she said.

Congress' J P Agarwal joined Mrs Swaraj in seeking a clarification whether those traders who have given affidavits to close their business within the next three months, would be given the benefit of the Bill.

He said the court-appointed committees were behaving like ''dictators'' in ordering sealing of offices, shops and even religious places. ''If you remove the first floor commercial establishments from the historic Chandni Chowk and Sadar Bazar, the entire business area of walled city will disappear,'' he said, adding that Delhi is not meant for the government babus but also for the traders who have made the city a ''vibrant hub'' for trade in the entire north India.

Blaming the Delhi Development Authority, Prashant Chatterjee (CPM) said the unauthorised houses and commercial establishments had not come about overnight. ''Why was no action taken when these establishments were coming up,'' he asked.

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