AAP Targets BJP Amidst Delhi’s Waterlogging Crisis

Delhi’s political landscape heated up as the Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) launched a scathing critique of the ruling Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) following severe waterlogging caused by heavy rains. The AAP, led by Arvind Kejriwal, highlighted the inadequacies in the BJP’s handling of the monsoon preparations, sharing visuals of submerged streets across the city. Former ministers Manish Sisodia and Atishi were among those who circulated videos depicting the extent of the flooding, emphasizing public dissatisfaction with the government’s efforts.

Viral Videos Highlight Public Frustration

Among the videos shared, one featured a man swimming on a waterlogged road, while another showed an AAP supporter rowing in an inflatable bathtub. These visuals served as a symbolic protest against the BJP’s claims of effective water management. The AAP questioned the BJP’s assurances that there would be no waterlogging this monsoon, pointing to areas like West Vinod Nagar that were completely submerged.

Sarcastic Jibes and Political Reactions

Atishi, who briefly held the chief minister’s post before the February elections, sarcastically congratulated Chief Minister Rekha Gupta for turning Delhi into a city of “swimming pools.” Saurabh Bhardwaj, another former minister, referred to the situation as “free water sports,” further mocking the government’s response. Geeta Rawat, a former AAP corporator, shared her own video from an inflatable tub on a flooded road, questioning local MLA Ravinder Singh Negi’s efforts.

Government Response and Infrastructure Efforts

In response to these criticisms, MLA Ravinder Singh Negi defended the government’s actions by citing unprecedented rainfall and ongoing efforts to address waterlogging. He mentioned that four pumps were operational and criticized previous administrations for their inaction over the past 12 years. Despite some areas like Minto Bridge remaining clear due to new infrastructure, other parts of Delhi and neighboring regions like Noida and Ghaziabad experienced significant flooding.

Impact on Daily Life and Commuters

The heavy rains not only caused waterlogging but also led to traffic jams across several locations in Delhi. The city’s airport issued alerts to passengers, advising them to check with airlines regarding potential delays. The situation underscored the challenges faced by urban infrastructure during extreme weather events and sparked a broader debate on governance and accountability.