AAP Alleges “Paper-Only” Atal Canteens in Delhi; Accuses BJP Government of Misleading Public

New Delhi: The Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) on Sunday accused the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP)-led Delhi government of falsely claiming the inauguration of multiple Atal Canteen outlets that, according to the party, exist only on official records and not on the ground.

Addressing a press briefing, Delhi unit convenor Saurabh Bharadwaj alleged that several Atal Canteen locations listed by the government-including Shakur Basti and Punjabi Camp-either remain incomplete, locked, or non-functional despite being declared inaugurated. "These canteens are only active on paper," Bharadwaj claimed.

He said the allegations stem from AAP's ongoing fact-check drive across Delhi, during which its teams reportedly filmed sites to document missing or incomplete facilities. The footage shared on social media aims to expose what AAP terms a "gap between announcements and reality".

Dispute Over Inauguration Numbers

Bharadwaj further claimed that Chief Minister Rekha Gupta inaugurated 45 Atal Canteen units, although earlier government communication suggested that 100 outlets were to be launched. "Even in the list released on the day of inauguration, only 45 were mentioned," he said. AAP has previously alleged similar discrepancies in Shalimar Assembly and Pitampura, where canteen structures were reportedly nonexistent.

Fresh visits, Bharadwaj said, reveal a pattern. At Shakur Basti's Bhagat Singh Camp and Punjabi Camp in Peeragarhi-both listed as officially opened-AAP teams allegedly found locked gates, no kitchens, and ongoing construction. The party also accused the government of cutting trees illegally without permission for the project.

Operational Complaints and Political Attack

Apart from missing canteens, Bharadwaj said residents have complained about poor service at those that have begun operation. According to him, citizens have already reported lack of food availability and mismanagement within a week of launch.

He added that the scheme, launched in the name of former Prime Minister Atal Bihari Vajpayee, is being mishandled by what he termed the "Phulera panchayat-style" government, thereby "damaging Vajpayee's legacy".

AAP Claims "Four-Engine Govt" Failing Citizens

According to AAP, the findings reflect the "truth" of Delhi's "four-engine government", where incomplete projects are showcased as achievements while residents still await promised low-cost meals. The party has demanded transparency and an immediate audit of all inaugurated Atal Canteen outlets.