Mon Jan 13 19:42:17 UTC 2025: ## Delhi Election Heats Up Over Slum Dweller Housing

**New Delhi, January 14, 2025** – The upcoming Delhi Assembly elections have ignited a fierce debate over the housing conditions of slum dwellers, with the ruling Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) and the opposition Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) trading accusations and promises.

The BJP, highlighting the inauguration of 1,675 Economically Weaker Sections (EWS) flats by Prime Minister Narendra Modi in Ashok Vihar, claims credit for providing housing solutions under the In-Situ Slum Redevelopment project. Union Home Minister Amit Shah further pledged to provide housing for every slum dweller if the BJP wins, echoing a similar promise from their 2020 manifesto. The BJP also points to an earlier inauguration of 3,024 EWS flats in Kalkaji in November 2022. The party recently conducted a slum outreach campaign, spending a night in numerous slum clusters to engage with residents.

However, the AAP counters that the BJP’s promises are unrealistic. Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal criticized the slow pace of housing construction and alleged that residents of the Kalkaji EWS flats are facing issues such as lack of sewage and water, claiming their living conditions are worse than in the slums. Kejriwal highlighted AAP’s efforts in improving infrastructure and amenities in JJ colonies, including sewer lines, roads, electricity, and water supply. He challenged Amit Shah to withdraw all cases against slum dwellers and resettle displaced individuals within 24 hours, vowing to forfeit his election candidacy if the BJP complies.

Residents of the newly constructed EWS flats themselves paint a mixed picture. While grateful for permanent housing, many complain of cramped living spaces (25 sq. meters), loss of income due to the lack of space for small businesses, and persistent issues with water seepage and inadequate infrastructure. Their concerns center on insufficient space, lack of job opportunities within the new housing complexes, and rising inflation and job insecurity. These issues, rather than the provision of housing alone, are shaping their voting decisions.

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