LG-AAP Trade Barbs Over Delhi Civic Issues

Lieutenant Governor V K Saxena and the AAP government traded charges on Saturday over the citys civic issues, with the LG highlighting cleanliness issues in slum clusters and the AAP alleging that three lakh slum-dwellers have become homeless due to the LGs decisions.

Lieutenant Governor V K Saxena and the Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) government in Delhi engaged in a war of words on Saturday over the city's civic issues, particularly the conditions of slum clusters.

LG Highlights Sanitation Issues in Slum Clusters

Saxena shared pictures on social media from his recent visits to Golkuan in Tehkhand and Sanjay Colony in Okhla, two slum areas in southeast Delhi. The pictures highlighted heaps of garbage, overflowing drains, and poor living conditions. He urged Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal to take cognizance of the situation and address the concerns of the residents.

AAP Alleges Homelessness Due to LG's Decisions

In response to Saxena's posts, the AAP government claimed that three lakh slum-dwellers in Delhi have become homeless due to the LG's decisions and directions. The LG's office strongly refuted this allegation, stating that not a single jhuggi (slum dwelling) has been removed at the LG's directions. On the contrary, the LG has intervened to stop demolitions on several occasions, including the recent case at Majnu ka Tila.

LG's Visits to Underdeveloped Areas

Saxena has made multiple visits to underdeveloped areas, including unauthorized colonies and slum clusters, in recent days. He has shared pictures and issued directions for action by the concerned departments to improve sanitation and provide necessary facilities in these areas.

LG Expresses Concern Over Living Conditions

In his social media posts, Saxena expressed concern about the living conditions of thousands of people in these areas, who face the risk of diseases due to poor sanitation and lack of basic facilities. He criticized the inaction and insensitivity of those responsible for taking corrective measures.

AAP Accuses LG of Demolitions

The AAP government accused the LG of demolishing a large number of jhuggis in Delhi during his tenure, rendering many people homeless. They cited examples of demolitions near Sundari Nagari and Tughalqabad, as well as an attempt to demolish Ghosiya colony near Mehrauli, which was stayed by the High Court after the intervention of the Kejriwal government.

LG's Response to AAP's Charges

Raj Niwas officials, representing the LG, dismissed the AAP government's allegations as baseless and accused them of dragging the courts into their political games. They challenged the AAP government to take legal recourse if they believed that the LG was misleading the courts.

The exchange of accusations between the LG and the AAP government highlights the ongoing tensions between the two parties over the governance of Delhi. The conditions of slum clusters and the well-being of their residents have become a focal point of this political debate.