Cong delegation finally turns up at riot-hit Jahangirpuri

In a matter of ‘better late than never’, a delegation of AICC and Delhi PCC leaders visited the people of riot-hit Jahangirpuri on Thursday. The sites the team visited included the scene of Wednesday’s demolition operation. The police stopped the Congress leaders from proceeding.

The decision to send a delegation led by AICC general secretary Ajay Maken to Jahangirpuri was announced late on Wednesday after tensions peaked last Saturday following the demolition drive of the BJP-administered corporation before being halted by a Supreme Court order. . When the demolition took place, AAP and the Left leaders had joined the public’s protest.

Maken said the demolition drive was an “assault” on the poor people and their means of livelihood besides “violating” the rule book and previous court orders. He alleged, “This demolition is illegal. I was also an urban development minister. I know how laws work. They cannot do it without any notice. BJP leaders are lying.”

AICC Delhi in-charge Shatisingh Gohil alleged that the demolition drive was part of the BJP’s attempt to divert public attention from issues including inflation. After the AICC announced its decision to send a delegation to the site, Maken had tweeted, “Sorry for not being there”.

Former Union Home Minister P Chidambaram tweeted: “We see the rule of law broken every day. Soon there will be no laws and no rules. Once arbitrary orders dominate the law, we are on the road to hell. Huh.”

Originally published at Pen 18