New Delhi’s Valmiki Basti is set to play a pivotal role in deciding the fate for Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) chief Arvind Kejriwal, as well as BJP candidate Parvesh Sahib Singh Verma and Congress candidate Sandeep Dikshit in the upcoming Delhi elections. Residents of the Basti have expressed concerns over their sitting MLA’s limited presence in the area and the negative impact of the excise policy on the rising problem of alcoholism. However, there remains a notable sympathy among the populace for the former Chief Minister Kejriwal who has faced jail time, alongside an appreciation for the ruling party’s initiative that offers free bus rides to women.
The area holds significant importance in both Delhi and national politics, as it was here that Prime Minister Narendra Modi launched the ‘Swachh Bharat’ Abhiyan and former CM Arvind Kejriwal introduced the ‘jhaadu’ (broom) as the symbol of his party in 2013. Valmiki Basti comprises approximately 321 houses and has a voter base of around 6,000 to 7,000 residents.
A vendor named Ram Karan expressed his belief that Kejriwal was unjustly imprisoned by the BJP in connection with the money laundering charges linked to the excise policy case. “They have done him a great injustice by sending him to jail, and so far, they have been unable to prove the charges against him,” he stated.
He also voiced his concern about the potential demolition of slums if the BJP comes to power. “On one hand, they might provide flats to a few slum dwellers, but on the other hand, they will leave many homeless by demolishing jhuggis if they win the elections,” said the 35-year-old.
Rameshwaram, who works with the New Delhi Municipal Council, expressed his dissatisfaction with the lack of regularisation for contractual workers, despite AAP supremo Kejriwal’s promise to do so. “Contractual workers can be removed from their positions at any time. Kejriwal had promised to regularise them, but that promise remains ufulfilled,” he stated.
Despite his concerns, he intends to support the AAP in the upcoming elections, citing his belief that “Kejriwal is with the poor people.” He noted, “Kejriwal’s initiative for free bus rides for women has been a tremendous help. Many women from the Basti, especially those working as house help, have benefited greatly. Previously, they had to spend money on transportation, but now they can take the bus for free and go wherever they need to. The money saved from this goes towards the welfare of their entire families.”
Echoing similar sentiments, 59-year-old Mukesh, a worker in the NDMC, recounted an instance where he overheard a woman getting off the bus saying that the free bus rides allowed her to treat her grandson to a plate of chole bhature for just Rs 10. “The impact of the scheme is visible in many households. While some might see the free bus rides as insignificant, there are countless individuals who experience its profound effects in their daily lives,” he remarked.
He further noted that free electricity and Mohalla Clinics are beneficial schemes, although they have not been able to take advantage of them since they reside in the NDMC area. A retired NDMC worker also expressed skepticism about the BJP’s claims that if their candidate wins in this constituency, all pending tasks and development projects will be completed. “They have the Lieutenant Governor, a central government, and all seven MPs in Delhi are from the BJP, yet they still can’t get things done here. What guarantee do we have that they will deliver when they have an MLA? At least we know there’s another party we can turn to if they fail to deliver,” remarked 70-year-old Jai Kishan.
Residents expressed concern that the Centre appointed Lieutenant Governor, Vinai Kumar Saxena, has been granted excessive powers, seemingly overriding those of the Chief Minister. “They are suppressing him with so many constraints. The LG is not allowing him to work effectively. How can he have more power than the Chief Minister?” questioned 50-year-old Raju.
On the other hand, some locals are frustrated with Kejriwal’s lack of presence in the area. “We haven’t seen him much in the Basti, despite supporting him with our votes. He only visited briefly before filing his nominations, and even then, we weren’t informed,” remarked a 35-year-old resident.
He further commented on the adverse effects of the liquor policy on families. “Even if a liquor policy was necessary, he shouldn’t have introduced promotions like ‘one plus one.’ In many households, this has had a detrimental effect, with men drinking excessively and causing disturbances. Additionally, many black marketers exploited the scheme to stockpile such liquor. This shouldn’t have happened,” he stated.
The NDMC worker mentioned that he plans to vote for the BJP. “We are facing soaring electricity bills. We have asked the BJP to help us by addressing these exorbitant charges. We are hopeful that they will resolve our issues as soon as they are elected to power,” he added.
