NEW DELHI In a significant outreach effort, Delhi Pradesh Congress Committee president Shri Devender Yadav led a series of monthly meetings by all 258 Block Congress Committees across various JJ clusters. This initiative aimed at strengthening grassroots connections and amplifying the voices of slum residents, who expressed growing concerns about their future under the BJP-led government.
Devender Yadav highlighted that these meetings, held across 14 districts, were organized to oppose unjust demolitions and prevent the forced displacement of economically weaker sections. He alleged that the BJP government’s agenda is anti-poor and is systematically pushing marginalized communities out of Delhi. Yadav recalled that it was the Congress government that initiated in-situ rehabilitation—constructing housing within the same locality—so slum dwellers would not lose their homes or communities.
He emphasized that if relocation becomes necessary for development purposes, alternative housing must be provided first. The Congress has always prioritized dignity in resettlement, he said, and will continue to fight any move that compromises it.
The meetings saw enthusiastic participation from block and district leaders, former legislators, local representatives, and a large number of slum residents. The message from the leadership was clear: Congress will stand united to resist the BJP’s dual-faced approach to urban poor and slum policies.
Yadav also criticized the Delhi Chief Minister for contradictory statements. While publicly claiming slums would not be razed, the government has privately admitted it cannot safeguard those near railway lines. He demanded clarity and accountability from the Rekha Gupta-led administration.
Reminding people of past Congress achievements, Yadav mentioned the Rajiv Rattan Housing Scheme, under which thousands of flats were built for the urban poor. These homes, however, were locked and left unused for more than a decade under the Aam Aadmi Party rule, he alleged. Instead of serving the needy, the scheme was renamed for political branding, while not a single new house was allotted to slum residents in 11 years.
Yadav urged all Congress workers to gather in protest outside the Delhi Assembly on Monday, August 4, 2025. The protest will address the looming eviction of over 15,000 slum families, law and order failures, unchecked crime and drug issues, the unfulfilled ₹2500 women stipend promise, and severe urban flooding.
The march will begin at 11 AM from Chandgiram Akhara, near the Trauma Center, culminating in a gherao of the Assembly.
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