Won’t Contest Elections If Demands Met: Kejriwal Challenges Amit Shah

Mangalore Today News Network

New Delhi, Jan 12, 2025: Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) chief Arvind Kejriwal on Saturday declared that he would withdraw from contesting the upcoming Delhi Assembly elections if Union Home Minister Amit Shah fulfilled two key demands concerning the rehabilitation of slum dwellers.

Speaking at a rally in Shakur Basti, the former Delhi Chief Minister challenged the BJP to withdraw all cases related to slum demolitions and provide housing for the evicted on the same land they were displaced from.

“Submit an affidavit in court committing to give homes to all slum dwellers on their original land, and I will not contest the elections,” Mr. Kejriwal said. “Otherwise, Kejriwal will not go anywhere.”

Mr. Kejriwal accused the BJP of planning widespread slum demolitions if it secures power in Delhi. He criticized the party’s ‘Jahan Jhuggi Wahan Makaan’ scheme, calling it a “complete eyewash.”

Citing data, he alleged that the BJP-led central government had constructed only 4,700 flats for slum dwellers in the past five years, leaving nearly 4 lakh slum households without proper housing. “At this rate, it will take 1,000 years to ensure housing for all,” he claimed.

Mr. Kejriwal further alleged that the Delhi Lt Governor had approved changes to land use in slum areas on December 27, enabling demolitions after the elections. He also accused the Railways of tendering slum-occupied land on September 30.

Union Minister and BJP leader Hardeep Singh Puri dismissed Mr. Kejriwal’s claims, accusing the AAP government of non-cooperation on slum rehabilitation initiatives.

“They want your votes first and your land after the elections,” Mr. Kejriwal said, urging residents to remain vigilant.

The political battle over Delhi’s slum rehabilitation policy has intensified ahead of the Assembly elections, with both parties trading accusations.