Delhi L-G VK Saxena Slams 'Hellish Living Conditions' In Many Areas, Kejriwal Responds

Amid the Aam Aadmi Party's (AAP) campaign for the Assembly elections, Lieutenant Governor VK Saxena visited several areas in Delhi today and highlighted the "hellish living conditions" there.

Sharing images of open drains and residents complaining of high power bills, Saxena urged AAP leader Arvind Kejriwal and Chief Minister Atishi to visit these areas and take action to address the issues.

Photo Credit: https://x.com/LtGovDelhi

"The stinking water accumulated in the alleys and streets is not rainwater, but from overflowing sewers. The women narrating their problems are from Delhi, not any other state," Saxena said in a post on X after visiting Rangpuri Pahari in south Delhi and Kapashera in southwest Delhi. South Delhi MP Ramvir Singh Bidhuri and several officials accompanied Saxena.

"Residents of the area complained of inadequate power supply, irregular water supply, and poor garbage disposal. Many residents complained of 8-10 hour power cuts daily and showed high electricity bills despite the Delhi government's claims of providing free power," Saxena wrote.

"I have assured of a cleanliness drive starting tomorrow. And I will personally monitor these efforts to ensure that residents at least get basic services," he said.

"I urge the former Chief Minister, Chief Minister, and concerned ministers of the Delhi government to visit these areas and see the hellish conditions. They must take immediate steps to improve this pitiable state of affairs. Let's come together and make Delhi great again."

The criticism from the Lieutenant Governor, a central government appointee, comes at a time when the Arvind Kejriwal-led party is launching a campaign to highlight its achievements during its 10-year rule in the national capital.

AAP has pointed to the revamp of government schools and neighbourhood clinics during its tenure, while the opposition BJP has raised concerns over water and sanitation issues to criticise the ruling party.

Saxena's remarks also come against the backdrop of strained relations between his office and the Chief Minister's office. Saxena has criticised the AAP government over various issues, while the latter has accused the Centre-appointed official of blocking its governance efforts.

Asked about Saxena's social media post, Kejriwal later told the media, "I thank the Lieutenant Governor from the bottom of my heart. We will address all the shortcomings he has identified. He went to Nangloi-Mundka road and pointed to potholes, we are getting that road fixed. We will get the areas he visited today cleaned. I urge him to point out the shortcomings, we will resolve them."