BJP Leader Parvesh Verma Accuses Kejriwal of Failing Slum Dwellers with Unfulfilled Housing Promises
Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) leader Parvesh Verma has strongly criticized the Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) and its leader Arvind Kejriwal, saying they have not kept their promise to provide homes for people living in slums in Delhi. Verma made these comments as the political tension rises before the Delhi Assembly elections, where he will compete against Kejriwal in the New Delhi area.
Verma pointed out that even though promises were made almost 12 years ago, thousands of families in slums are still waiting for their homes. He claimed that the Delhi government, led by Kejriwal, took a lot of money from these poor families under the Delhi Urban Shelter Improvement Board (DUSIB) housing plan but has not given them the permanent homes they were promised.
A Decade-Old Betrayal?
According to Verma, the DUSIB scheme launched in 2013 required slum dwellers to pay amounts ranging from ₹70,000 to ₹1,50,000, with the assurance of being allotted permanent homes. However, the BJP leader claims that over a decade later, the families who sacrificed their savings and earnings are still waiting to see those promises materialize.
“This is nothing short of betrayal,” Verma said during a public address. “These families, who put their faith in the system, now find themselves homeless, struggling to make ends meet. They believed in the dream of a better future, but today, their hope has turned into despair.”
Verma’s comments underscore the challenges faced by Delhi’s poorest communities, who have long struggled for basic housing. Many families live in precarious conditions in slum clusters, lacking access to clean water, electricity, and sanitation facilities. The failure to provide permanent housing has only exacerbated their plight.
Allegations of Misdirection and False Promises
The BJP leader spoke bluntly, accusing the Kejriwal government of failing the system and intentionally misleading people.
“AAP has become experts at fooling people with false promises. They have built their political story on hope, but they have consistently failed to deliver,” Verma said. “Instead of keeping their promises, they have made a joke of the system, leaving the poorest and most helpless to take care of themselves.”
Political Stakes Ahead of Elections
As the Delhi Assembly elections are coming soon, Verma's claims are likely to connect with voters who have been directly impacted by the housing problem. The BJP's effort to point out the promises made by the Kejriwal government that were not kept is aimed at changing the story in their favor.
The problem of improving slums and creating affordable housing has been a hot topic in Delhi's politics for a long time. Different governments have tried to find lasting ways to provide homes for millions of people living in poor, unofficial areas. Even though many plans and programs have been introduced, things are moving slowly, and there is still a big difference between what is promised and what actually happens.
“The people of Delhi deserve better. They deserve leaders who are accountable and committed to real change,” Verma said. “It is time for the AAP to answer for their failure to deliver on such a fundamental issue.”
AAP’s Response and Defense
While the AAP is yet to issue a detailed response to Verma’s allegations, party representatives have previously defended their record on housing and slum rehabilitation. They argue that systemic challenges, including legal disputes and lack of central government support, have hampered efforts to provide permanent housing.
Kejriwal himself has often highlighted the AAP’s initiatives in improving living conditions for the poor, such as free electricity, water subsidies, and healthcare services. However, critics contend that these measures, while impactful, do not address the long-term need for permanent housing solutions.
Voices from the Ground
For those directly affected, the housing crisis is not just a political talking point but a harsh reality of daily life. Many slum dwellers who invested their savings in the DUSIB scheme now find themselves trapped in a cycle of uncertainty.
“We trusted the government to provide us with homes. We paid the money they asked for, but years have passed, and we are still living in the same conditions,” said Rajni Devi, a resident of a slum cluster in East Delhi. “Our children deserve better than this.”
Others expressed anger and frustration at what they see as broken promises. “The government collected our money and forgot about us. How is this fair?” asked Ramesh Kumar, another affected resident.
The Road Ahead
As the political battle heats up, the issue of housing for slum dwellers is likely to remain in the spotlight. For the BJP, it represents an opportunity to challenge the AAP’s claims of effective governance. For the AAP, it is a test of their ability to defend their record and regain the trust of voters who feel let down.
For Delhi’s slum dwellers, however, the stakes are far more personal. Their hopes hinge on tangible action and real solutions—not just promises—to improve their living conditions and secure a brighter future for their families.