Delhi Polls | 2 ex-MPs trying to unseat AAP chief in New Delhi

Delhi Polls: The New Delhi Assembly constituency, located in the heart of India’s capital, is one of the 70 constituencies and encompasses some of the most prominent and high-profile areas of the national capital. It includes administrative hubs like Parliament House, Rashtrapati Bhavan, and North and South Blocks, along with popular commercial zones such as Connaught Place and Gole Market. Residential areas like Chanakyapuri, Sarojini Nagar, Lodhi Colony, and Moti Bagh also form a significant part of its land scape. These neighbourhoods are primarily home to government officials, diplomats, and business professionals, reflecting a mix of affluent and middle-class residents.

However, the constituency is not limited to elite zones. It also houses several JJ (Jhuggi-Jhopri) clusters and resettlement colonies, making it a microcosm of urban India’s con trasts. Prominent JJ clusters include Kathputli Colony, Vivekananda Camp, and Sanjay Camp, where residents often face challenges related to housing, sanitation, and basic amenities. These clusters significantly influence the constituency’s demography, highlighting disparities in living standards and access to resources.

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Neglected localities speak out

Speaking to Patriot, Parvesh Alam, a confectionery shopkeeper at C-31 Kalibari Marg, said, “More than 400 households are here in the locality, while this area is completely being neglected by the current MLAs and authorities.

“We tried to reach out to the MLA from our constituency regarding the unavailability of water supply, hiked electricity bills, poor sanitation in the locality and other issues, but he is nowhere to be found in the past 10 years,” Alam added.

Having lived in the area for 35 years, Alam reminisced about the tenure of the Shila Dixit-led Delhi Government, saying, “She has done most of the work for the JJ clusters, following which we are surviving in the area today.”

Another resident, Suraj Kumar, highlighted the deplorable state of public toilets in the locality. “The public toilets in our area are in a pathetic state. They are either locked for days or so dirty that people avoid using them altogether. Women and elderly people are the worst affected because they have no alternative. We have raised this issue multiple times with the authorities, but there has been no response. It feels like basic dignity and hygiene are not a priority for our leaders.”

He added, “We’re constantly told that Delhi is becoming a world-class city, but how can it be when we can’t even provide clean and functioning public toilets? The stench, overflowing waste, and lack of water in these facilities are a daily nightmare for us. Something needs to be done urgently to address this.”

Water scarcity remains a persistent issue

Residents have identified clean drinking water as one of the major issues influencing their vote in the upcoming election.

“For years, we have been dealing with the same issue of contaminated water. The supply is irregular, and when water does come, it’s dirty, smells bad, and is often mixed with sewage. Many families in our neighbourhood have had to buy bottled water even for basic needs, which is a financial strain on low-income households. We are living in constant fear of diseases, and despite complaining to the municipal authorities, no action has been taken,” said Mukesh Kumar.

He added, “Water is a basic necessity, yet here we are, struggling to get clean drinking water in the heart of the national capital. It’s heartbreaking that even in this day and age, our children are falling sick because of something as preventable as unclean water. The government needs to step up and prioritise this immediately.”

Geeta Kumari also expressed her frustration, saying, “Every summer, our water woes worsen. The taps run dry for days, and we are left scram bling to find water. People have to queue up for hours near tankers, and there are often fights because the supply is never enough. It’s humiliating and exhausting to go through this year after year. We are tired of false promises and need a permanent solution to this crisis.”

She added, “Summer means anxiety for us because we know water won’t be available when we need it most. Women and children end up walking miles to fetch water from other areas, and even then, it’s often not potable. We hear a lot about development and progress, but how can we call ourselves developed when we can’t provide something as essential as water to our citizens?”

Rising unemployment fuels discontent

Manoj Kumar, currently working as an e-rickshaw driver, highlighted unemployment as another pressing issue in the constituency. “As young people, we feel completely let down by the system. Jobs are hard to come by, and even when opportunities do arise, corruption ensures that only those with the right connections or bribes can benefit. It’s frustrating to spend years studying and working hard, only to see less qualified people get ahead because of corruption. If things don’t change, the future looks bleak for us.”

He continued, “Unemployment is a huge problem, but no one seems to care. The government talks about schemes and policies, but on the ground, there’s little to no implementation. Corruption in recruitment processes and lack of transparency make it almost impossible for honest, hardworking youth to find jobs. It’s disheartening, and many of us are losing hope in the system altogether.”

Also read: Delhi polls | BJP will win at least 40 seats in Delhi: Kailash Gahlot

Assembly elections 2025

The upcoming Assembly Elections 2025 are set to witness an intense contest in the New Delhi Assembly constituency.

Arvind Kejriwal, the national convenor of AAP and two-time Chief Minister of Delhi, is aiming for a third consecutive victory in the constituency. His track record of governance and focus on reforms in education, healthcare, and public services are featured prominently in his campaign.

Parvesh Sahib Singh Verma, a two time Member of Parliament, emerges as a major contender from the BJP. With strong grassroots connections and significant political experience, he is positioning himself as a formidable challenger to Kejriwal.

Meanwhile, Sandeep Dikshit, the son of the late Sheila Dikshit, Delhi’s three-time Chief Minister, enters the fray as a strong candidate from Congress. Drawing on the legacy of his mother’s development work during the Congress-led government, Dikshit is hoping to reclaim the seat for his party.

The battle for the New Delhi constituency promises to be a closely watched contest, with each candidate bringing their unique strengths to the table.