Palam Fire Tragedy: Arvind Kejriwal Blames Govt Negligence, Seeks Probe Into Fire Response

Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) national convenor Arvind Kejriwal rushed back to Delhi on Thursday, cutting short his Goa visit, and went straight from the airport to Palam to meet the family affected by a devastating fire tragedy. However, the visit quickly turned tense as AAP leaders alleged that Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) workers created chaos and prevented them from meeting the grieving family.

According to Kejriwal, BJP workers blocked their entry, misbehaved with them and even threw chairs during the confrontation. He described the incident as "inhuman" and expressed anger that such behaviour occurred at a place where a family was mourning the loss of nine members.

The tragedy in Palam's JJ Colony has sparked outrage, with allegations of serious lapses in emergency response. Kejriwal claimed that the fire brigade reached the spot late, and when it did, its hydraulic lift reportedly failed to function. He said victims remained trapped for hours, calling for help, and suggested that timely intervention could have saved lives.

Calling for accountability, Kejriwal demanded a thorough and impartial investigation into how the fire broke out and why critical rescue equipment did not work. He also criticised what he described as attempts to intimidate the victim's family.

Other AAP leaders echoed similar concerns. Saurabh Bharadwaj alleged that the fire brigade's ladder did not open during the rescue operation and accused local BJP representatives of denying the failure. He also claimed that he was targeted during the scuffle, with a chair thrown at him that instead injured former MLA Vinay Mishra.

Manish Sisodia criticised the government, alleging that public systems, including the fire department, had deteriorated. Atishi also condemned the disruption, calling it shocking that even in a moment of grief, political clashes took precedence over compassion.

The AAP has accused the BJP of trying to suppress questions about the incident and failing to take responsibility. The party maintains that the deaths were not merely accidental but the result of systemic negligence, and has vowed to continue pressing for answers.