New Delhi: AAP national convenor Arvind Kejriwal on Sunday issued a challenge that if Union Home Minister Amit Shah builds houses for the slum dwellers at the same place where the slums were demolished in the last 10 years, then he will not contest the upcoming Assembly elections in the national capital.
Addressing a rally in the Shakur Basti area here, the former chief minister accused the BJP of prioritising land acquisition over the welfare of slum dwellers.
"As the elections are near, the love of BJP leaders for slum dwellers has suddenly increased. BJP leaders did not look at the slums for 10 years, but as soon as the elections came, they started spending nights visiting the slums. They do not love the slum dwellers, they love the land," Kejriwal said.
"They think of jhuggi people as keeda makoda (insects). Do you think they are spending time here because they love jhuggi residents? No, they are showing love because they want votes from you,” he said
Kejriwal claimed that on September 30, 2024, the BJP tendered the railway land where the slums were built. "After this, on December 27, the LG changed the land use of the slum land. Amit Shah called the slum dwellers on Saturday and abused me. The post of Home Minister has dignity, but he used shameful language," he said.
The former Delhi CM also criticised the BJP's 'Jahan Jhuggi Wahan Makaan' scheme, terming it an eyewash. "In the past five years, they have constructed only 4,700 flats for slum dwellers," he added.
"If you file an affidavit in the court within 24 hours and promise to resettle the slum dwellers at their place and give them houses, then I will not contest the elections. But if you do not do this, then I will contest the elections and stand as a shield for the slum dwellers. Whatever I am today is because of these slum dwellers. If I have to leave politics to save their houses, then I am ready. Aam Aadmi Party stands with you and will expose every lie of BJP," he said.
Kejriwal was accompanied by senior AAP leader Satyendar Jain, the party's candidate from Shakur Basti constituency. Jain is seeking re-election from the seat for the fourth time after winning it in 2013, 2015 and 2020.
Delhi goes to polls on February 5 and the results will be announced on February 8. The AAP, which won 62 of the 70 seats in Delhi in the 2020 elections, is eyeing a third consecutive full term.
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