Delhi Chief Minister Rekha Gupta on Sunday defended recent demolition drives, asserting that court-mandated actions cannot be ignored. Her remarks followed criticism from the Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) over the clearance of the Madrasi Camp slum near Barapullah and similar operations elsewhere in the city.
Speaking at an event in Haiderpur, Gupta clarified that the demolition at Madrasi Camp was carried out in compliance with repeated court directions to remove encroachments along the Barapullah drain, which were causing severe waterlogging.
“The government has no choice when the judiciary orders action,” Gupta said. “Encroachments had narrowed the drain, blocking desilting work. Alternative housing has been arranged for those displaced.”
Responding sharply, former CM Atishi questioned the BJP-led government’s commitment to its promise of “Jaha Jhuggi, Wahi Makaan” (housing at the same location). In a post on X, she alleged that most residents were either left homeless or relocated to poorly maintained housing in far-off Narela with inadequate facilities.
“Did the court also instruct the BJP not to honour its housing promise?” Atishi asked, highlighting the disconnect between legal compliance and humane rehabilitation.
