Delhi polls: AAP to air its 'game changer' for slums at Friday's Delhi Dialogue

NEW DELHI: Come January 16 and AAP will reveal its "game changing" solutions to the problems of JhuggiJhopri and Resettlement ( JJR) areas. The party plans to hold a Delhi Dialogue on resettlement colonies in Trilokpuri, significant for AAP on two counts.

Residents of JJR areas have been a core support group of the party and a direct address by AAP convener Arvind Kejriwal will help consolidate this crucial vote bank. Moreover, after the area witnessed communal riots last year, AAP is keen on proving that it is against divisive politics and focused on development.

The Dialogue will focus on Trilokpuri and Kondli, both hubs of resettlement colonies. "Trilokpuri is the second constituency which AAP won with the highest margin after Kejriwal's New Delhi seat in 2013 polls. We are committed to addressing their concerns. But that doesn't mean that we are ignoring the middle class. In fact, our dialogues on youth, education, health, power and water have focused on every resident," sources said.

In 2013 assembly election, the party had swept almost all the resettlement and JJ seats like Kondli, Trilokpuri, Madipur and Seemapuri. The city has about 45 JJRs with a population of roughly 15 lakh, including a large number of migrant workers, Muslims and Poorvanchalis. These were Congress strongholds till 2013 assembly polls. However, the party failed to win most seats in Lok Sabha polls.

Realizing that this segment has immense potential and seeking to break into AAP's vote bank, BJP has been campaigning vigorously. However, AAP claimed that it is not worried. "BJP has conventionally not been strong in JJR areas. This has to do with its policies. It is highly doubtful that BJP will make a dent in our votes," said an AAP member.

"The problem in this area goes beyond social issues. There are no facilities, proper water, sewage or even roads," sources said.