“Anti-Poor Agenda of BJP Exposed: Atishi Slams CM Rekha Gupta Over Bhoomhini Camp Demolition Drive”

Location: New Delhi | Date: June 11, 2025

In a sharp political confrontation, Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) leader and Delhi Minister Atishi has accused the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) of being an “anti-poor party” over the recent demolition drive at Bhoomhini Camp in Delhi. The operation, which led to the destruction of numerous jhuggis and displacement of several underprivileged families, has ignited a fierce war of words between AAP and the newly appointed Delhi Chief Minister Rekha Gupta of the BJP.

Anti-poor party narrative intensifies after demolition

Atishi, while visiting the site on Tuesday, condemned the demolition and squarely blamed the BJP-led Municipal Corporation of Delhi and Chief Minister Rekha Gupta for the incident. She alleged that the action was part of a larger, systematic campaign by the BJP, proving once again that it is an anti-poor party.

“Today it is absolutely clear that BJP is an anti-poor party. The demolition drive was carried out without any prior notice, warning, or rehabilitation plan for the families. This inhuman action under CM Rekha Gupta’s leadership shows their real face,” Atishi said.

Families left homeless, BJP silent

The demolition at Bhoomhini Camp, located near Yamuna Khadar, has reportedly affected over 200 families, many of whom have been living in the area for decades. These residents, mostly daily wage workers and migrant laborers, have been left without shelter or alternative housing provisions.

Local accounts reveal that the drive was carried out early in the morning with heavy police deployment. Shattered belongings and broken shelters now litter the camp, painting a grim picture of helplessness and displacement.

Atishi questioned the legality of the drive, stating, “Did the BJP government provide any alternative rehabilitation before demolishing these homes? No. This is not development; this is destruction, and only an anti-poor party would be capable of such an act.”

BJP’s silence fuels AAP’s accusations

Interestingly, CM Rekha Gupta has maintained silence on the issue despite mounting criticism from AAP and rights groups. Her office has not released any formal statement addressing the demolition or its consequences. The BJP, however, defended the drive indirectly through its municipal officials, citing encroachments on government land.

AAP, in response, has called for an urgent intervention from the Lieutenant Governor and demanded a detailed probe into the planning and execution of the operation. The party also announced that it will raise the matter in the Delhi Assembly and protest until justice is delivered to the affected families.

Political heat rises in Delhi

This controversy comes at a time when Delhi’s political climate is already tense following BJP’s surprise win in the recent Assembly elections, placing Rekha Gupta in the CM’s chair. AAP is using the anti-poor party narrative to regain political ground and strengthen its connection with the working-class vote base.

“Our government had always focused on giving the poor access to basic rights—education, healthcare, and shelter. In contrast, BJP’s governance model has repeatedly shown that it is an anti-poor party that prioritizes corporate interests over people’s lives,” Atishi further added during her press briefing.

Residents demand justice and rehabilitation

Affected residents have appealed to the Delhi government and the courts for immediate relief. Many expressed anger and disappointment, emphasizing the lack of communication or assistance during the drive.

“No one told us this would happen. We were sleeping when the bulldozers came. We have nowhere to go now. Is this what a government is supposed to do?” said Meena, a resident of Bhoomhini Camp who lost her home.

Human rights activists have also stepped in, calling the demolition a gross violation of the right to housing and dignity, urging for a halt to such actions until a robust rehabilitation policy is put in place.