Meenakshi Lekhi alleges scam at Delhi's Kathputli Colony

NEW DELHI: Relocation of artists from Kathputli Colony has become a major election issue in the New Delhi constituency. After Aam Aadmi Party, BJP candidate Meenakshi Lekhi has hinted at a "land scam" in the in situ redevelopment of the area and demanded a CBI probe.

"A CBI inquiry should be held and the LG should stop relocation of residents till the probe is complete," said Lekhi. Senior BJP leaders say the Congress-led Delhi government didn't keep the residents' interest in mind while planning the redevelopment. Residents of the colony had asked LG Najeeb Jung to stop the reloacation process a month ago.

With days left for elections, political parties are capitalizing on the issue to garner support from people living in the area and in nearby slum clusters. AAP's candidate from New Delhi, Ashish Khetan, had attempted to stay the night in Kathputli Colony but was not allowed to do so.