Blame Game Ensues Among BJP, AAP After Child Drowns in Delhi Drain

A seven-year-old boy drowned in a drain in Wazirpur, leading to accusations from the BJP against the Kejriwal government for negligence related to waterlogging deaths. The Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) responded by criticising the BJP for politicising the tragedy, noting that the local councillor responsible for the area is from the BJP.

Political Blame Game

Delhi BJP president Virendra Sachdeva expressed regret over deaths caused by waterlogging and electric shocks, accusing Kejriwal's ministers and MLAs of deflecting responsibility onto officials. He stated, "It is regrettable that whether it is death by drowning in waterlogged places or drains, or by electric shocks, ministers and MLAs of the Kejriwal government always try to shift the blame on the officials, attempting to absolve themselves of responsibility."

Sachdeva criticised AAP leaders like Atishi, who oversees both the Public Works Department and the Water Board, and Delhi Mayor Shelly Oberoi for not addressing local issues. He also mentioned Manish Sisodia's recent bail release, accusing them of ignoring Delhi's growing accidents due to administrative negligence.

Incident Details

The BJP leader claimed that the boy drowned on Sunday while heading to a DUSIB toilet block from his home in Wazirpur Industrial area. The drain where he drowned is maintained by DSIIDC, with oversight from the Delhi Municipal Corporation. Sachdeva charged both agencies with failing to ensure public safety.

Sachdeva also criticised Sisodia's ongoing Padyatra campaign, suggesting that instead of political tours, AAP leaders should inspect waterlogged areas and sunken roads. He attributed numerous monsoon-related accidents in Delhi this year to the Kejriwal government's lack of planning and action against waterlogging.

AAP's Response

In a statement, AAP alleged that toilets built by them were dismantled on orders from the LG, forcing the child to relieve himself in the open where he slipped into the drain. An official from Raj Niwas countered this claim, stating, "It is all the more unfortunate, yet not unlike the AAP that they are playing dirty politics instead of owning up to their faults."

The official clarified that the LG did not order any toilet removals and had constructed toilets at severely affected areas like ISBT and Kamla Market. They added that DUSIB falls under Urban Development, which is responsible for such facilities.

The official emphasised that with Urban Development, MCD, and DJB under its control, the AAP government should have ensured adequate toilet facilities if they were indeed lacking.

The incident has sparked a heated exchange between BJP and AAP over accountability and public safety measures in Delhi.