Furious Atishi Slams BJP Over Injustice in Jhuggi Demolition Drive

Atishi Detained Amid Jhuggi Demolition Protests, Blasts BJP for “Injustice”

In a tense and emotionally charged scene, Delhi Minister Atishi strongly condemned the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) and Mayor Rekha Gupta during the ongoing jhuggi demolition protests in the national capital. The protests erupted following the demolition of informal settlements, which has left scores of residents homeless and angry.

Atishi, who arrived to support the affected families, was detained by the Delhi Police during her peaceful demonstration against the drive. As she was being taken away, she shouted, “BJP aur Rekha Gupta ko jhuggi waalon ki haay lagegi,” a statement that has since echoed across political circles and social media.

Atishi Voices Outrage Against BJP-Led MCD

The protests were sparked by a large-scale jhuggi demolition drive conducted by the BJP-led Municipal Corporation of Delhi (MCD), targeting several unauthorized colonies in Delhi. Slum dwellers, many of whom have lived in these areas for decades, claimed they received no prior notice before the bulldozers arrived.

Atishi accused the BJP of “brutally displacing the poor without rehabilitation” and called the demolition an “inhuman act of political apathy.” She maintained that the move was not only illegal but also morally unjust, especially in a city where housing shortages for the economically weaker sections remain critical.

Political Fallout and Citizen Backlash

The jhuggi demolition protests have stirred a fierce political debate. The Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) accused the BJP of targeting the vulnerable to serve elite interests, while BJP leaders defended the demolition, citing encroachments and civic planning.

However, public opinion seems divided. Several local residents, activists, and civil society organizations have rallied behind the AAP’s stand, arguing that the rights of the urban poor are being trampled upon.

“This is not just about demolitions,” said a local activist. “It’s about the lives, dreams, and dignity of thousands. These are people who contribute to the city’s economy every day and are now being pushed to the margins without a second thought.”

Police Action Draws Criticism

Atishi’s detention has triggered another wave of criticism against the Delhi Police, which is under the control of the central government. Videos of the minister being physically lifted and forced into a police van have gone viral, with many calling the action “unwarranted” and “excessive.”

Legal experts have pointed out that elected representatives have a right to protest, especially when they are acting on behalf of their constituents. “The optics of detaining a woman minister for peacefully protesting are not just bad—they’re damaging for democracy,” said a senior lawyer.

AAP Demands Rehabilitation and Transparency

The Aam Aadmi Party has now demanded an immediate halt to the demolition and has insisted on a transparent rehabilitation plan for all affected families. “We are not against urban planning or cleanliness drives,” Atishi clarified in a press statement. “But any action that affects livelihoods must come with fair compensation and proper relocation.”

She added that the jhuggi demolition protests will continue until justice is served and every displaced family is given proper shelter.

The Human Cost of Demolition

Beyond the political noise, it’s the residents who are bearing the brunt. Entire families have been left without shelter, with children, elderly citizens, and women forced to spend nights in the open amid the sweltering heat.

“We had no warning. One day, everything was normal. The next, our homes were rubble,” said Sita Devi, a 55-year-old domestic worker. “Where are we supposed to go now?”

Such voices form the heart of the jhuggi demolition protests, adding emotional weight to the political battle and putting the spotlight back on the urgent need for inclusive urban development.

Conclusion: A Call for Humane Governance

The jhuggi demolition protests have become a symbol of a larger issue—how Indian cities treat their poorest residents. As political parties trade blame, the affected families await not just homes, but dignity and justice. Whether this moment leads to meaningful reform or becomes yet another political flashpoint remains to be seen.

But for now, Atishi’s fiery protest and the arrest that followed have ensured that the cries of Delhi’s displaced will not go unheard.