Centre, Delhi government say no demolition without rehabilitation

NEW DELHI: Two nights after a demolition drive disrupted life in West Delhi’s Shakurbasti slum, political clash over the tragedy in Parliament and beyond led to both the Centre and Delhi government deciding in favour of compulsory rehabilitation of residents before demolitions. Chief minister Arvind Kejriwal announced this following a meeting on Monday evening with railway minister Suresh Prabhu. “From now on, there will be no demolition without rehabilitation.

Railways will prepare a schedule of land required for projects and rehabilitation will be done based on that,” said Kejriwal after the meeting. However, this announcement followed day long political tussle over the Saturday night tragedy which slum residents and opposition politicians claim led to death of a six-month-old girl, a claim denied by the police and Prabhu.

The tussle began on Monday afternoon when Congress vice-president Rahul Gandhi visited the slum, met Mohammad Anwar, father of the infant Rukaiyya Khatun, and criticised both Prime Minister Narendra Modi and chief minister Arvind Kejriwal. “Modi Sarkar and Kejriwal Sarkar are responsible for what has happened. But now they are busy blaming each other,” he said. Kejriwal shot back calling Gandhi a “Kid”.

“Perhaps his party hasn’t told him that Railways come under Central government and not Delhi government,” he said. A little while before this clash, the Aam Aadmi Party and Congress MPs protested in Parliament, forcing a clarification from railway minister Suresh Prabhu who defended the demolition, saying notices had been sent to the slum residents. “Whole exercise was completely peaceful, without coercion. There was no ‘midnight operation’ as reported,” he said.

The deceased’s parents said they didn’t receive consequential help from anyone. “I haven’t received much help. Some food is delivered in the mornings, but it’s not done properly. No assurance has been given about homes (rehabilitation), either,” said Anwar.