In a fresh escalation of tensions between the Delhi government and the Lieutenant Governor (LG) VK Saxena, the LG shared a post on social media following his visits to several areas in Delhi, highlighting the dire living conditions and public grievances. Saxena specifically pointed to the “hellish” conditions in the Rangpuri Pahari and Kapashera areas, urging Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal and his administration to take immediate action.
During his visit, Saxena noted several critical issues faced by residents, including overflowing sewers causing stinking water to accumulate in alleys and streets, frequent power cuts, irregular water supply, and inefficient garbage disposal. Residents in these areas reported power outages lasting 8-10 hours daily, as well as high electricity bills, despite claims from the Delhi government of providing free power.
“The stinking water accumulated in the alleys and streets is not rainwater, but from overflowing sewers. The women narrating their problems are from Delhi, not any other state,” Saxena said in his post on X, formerly Twitter. He emphasized the need for urgent intervention and requested Kejriwal and Chief Minister Atishi to visit the affected areas personally to understand the gravity of the situation.
Saxena assured that a cleanliness drive would be launched in the areas starting tomorrow, which he promised to personally monitor. He also urged Delhi’s leadership to take responsibility and improve the living conditions. “I have assured of a cleanliness drive starting tomorrow. And I will personally monitor these efforts so that it can be ensured that the residents at least get basic services,” Saxena added in his post. He further urged Kejriwal and other officials to visit the areas and address the issues immediately, stating, “Let’s come together and make Delhi great again.”
This sharp criticism from the LG, who is appointed by the central government, comes as the Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) is actively campaigning ahead of the upcoming Delhi Assembly elections. The AAP has been highlighting its achievements over the past decade, including reforms in government schools and healthcare. However, the opposition, particularly the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP), has frequently raised concerns about water and sanitation issues to challenge the ruling party.
The LG’s remarks are also viewed as part of the ongoing friction between the Delhi government and the office of the Lieutenant Governor. Saxena has been critical of AAP’s governance, particularly regarding its policies and implementation. In turn, the Delhi government has accused Saxena of obstructing their initiatives.
Responding to the LG’s comments, Kejriwal acknowledged the issues highlighted by Saxena and pledged to address them. “I thank the Lieutenant Governor from the bottom of my heart. We will address all the shortcomings he has identified,” said the Delhi CM. He assured that the road mentioned by Saxena would be fixed, and the areas he visited would be cleaned as per the LG’s suggestions. “I urge him to point out the shortcomings, and we will resolve them,” Kejriwal added.
The ongoing exchanges between the Delhi government and the LG’s office underscore the intense political dynamics in the national capital, as both sides aim to highlight their achievements and hold each other accountable. As the election season heats up, the state of Delhi’s infrastructure and public services remains a key issue.
Sources By Agencies