CM said no slum would be razed; then why bulldozer action in Bhoomiheen camp?

Former CM Atishi of the AAP hit out at the current BJP government’s failure to keep its promise

Bhoomiheen residents turfed out in Delhi heat that 'feels like 50 Celsius'
Bhoomiheen residents turfed out in Delhi heat that 'feels like 50 Celsius'
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PTI

Senior AAP leader Atishi on Wednesday, 11 June, asked chief minister Rekha Gupta why slums were being demolished in Delhi's Bhoomiheen camp despite her saying days ago that none would be razed.

Authorities launched a demolition drive in the Bhoomiheen camp in south-east Delhi's Govindpuri on Wednesday morning, amid heavy police deployment.

Over 300 jhuggis built on government land in Govindpuri will be demolished, an official said.

Demolition underway at Bhoomiheen Camp, New Delhi
Demolition underway at Bhoomiheen Camp, New Delhi
PTI

In a post on X, Atishi, also the leader of opposition in the Delhi Assembly, said, "BJP's bulldozer started running in the Bhoomiheen camp from 5 am in the morning. (Delhi Chief Minister) Rekha Gupta -- you said three days ago that not even a single slum would be demolished, then why are bulldozers running on the Bhoomiheen camp?"

Wednesday's action comes days after the Delhi Development Authority (DDA) pasted eviction notices on houses in the jhuggi–jhopri ('slum') camp, warning 'encroachers' to leave the spot within three days or face action.

The camp, where most residents are migrant workers, has seen demolition drives thrice in the past year, in May and June this year and in July 2023 as well.

Heavy police presence at Bhoomiheen camp in Delhi during its demolition in the face of residents' protests
Heavy police presence at Bhoomiheen camp in Delhi during its demolition in the face of residents' protests
PTI

Atishi on Tuesday, 10 June, visited the Bhoomiheen camp. While the AAP claimed she was detained during her visit to meet the residents of the area, police denied it.

Atishi visits the Bhoomiheen Camp in Delhi on the eve of its ordered demolition
Atishi visits the Bhoomiheen Camp in Delhi on the eve of its ordered demolition
PTI

Chief minister Rekha Gupta said on Sunday, 8 June, that the authorities cannot go against demolition orders issued by the courts and stressed that the displaced residents have been provided accommodation.

Her remarks came amid criticism from the AAP over the razing of the Madrasi Camp slum cluster near Barapullah in south Delhi and similar demolition drives in other parts of the city.

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