Delhi Polls: Venturing into Shahdara’s Vishwas Nagar offers a stark glimpse into the two contrasting worlds of the national capital — one of abject poverty and the other of immense wealth. Affluent localities coexist with unauthorised colonies and slum clusters, both plagued by heaps of garbage scattered indiscriminately and a palpable unease stemming from crime.
Industries in the area wield considerable influence over electoral dynamics, and their presence is expected to play a decisive role in the upcoming elections. Most industries in Vishwas Nagar operate without proper authorisation, functioning in the shadow of tacit administrative approval. Initially designated as a residential area, Shahdara has seen its industries flourish and expand over time. These establishments, often based in residential houses, garages, and basements with inadequate ventilation, have blurred the lines between residential and industrial zones.
Also read: Delhi election: Over 20,000 people displaced by demolition drives to vote for shelter
Despite the dismal state of affairs, where the wealthy thrive while the impoverished struggle for basic sustenance, change remains a low priority for the electorate.
For the past three Assembly elections — 2013, 2015, and 2020 — Bharatiya Janata Party’s Om Prakash Sharma has turned the constituency into his stronghold. Vishwas Nagar has eluded the grasp of the Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) and the Congress for over a decade, and current trends indicate a similar trajectory. A significant portion of the local population relies on these industries for their livelihoods.
Residents credit Sharma for enabling the industries to function with minimal interference. “He is the sole reason why the factories and other industries operate so efficiently, without facing issues from authorities. Even if there are concerns raised by civic agencies or the police, he asks us to inform him directly,” said a factory owner on condition of anonymity.
Sharma’s political dominance began in 2013, after his initial foray into Vishwas Nagar politics in 2008, when he was narrowly defeated by Congress’ Naseeb Singh. Despite the loss, Sharma managed to increase the BJP’s vote share significantly, marking a 7% rise from the previous election. By 2013, he had secured victory with a 38% vote share, which further increased to 45.15% in 2015 and 52.57% in 2020. His tenure has been marked by his ability to retain his seat as the sole Opposition MLA since 2013, even as other constituencies shifted their allegiances.
“The lack of deserving candidates makes it difficult for us to consider voting for anyone else,” said Priyanka Kaushik, a local resident. “Sharma is a formidable candidate, but that doesn’t mean everything is perfect. The area is filthy, unsafe at night, and civic amenities are severely lacking.”
In December 2016, the National Green Tribunal (NGT) directed the Delhi government and the Delhi Pollution Control Committee (DPCC) to shut down hazardous industries in the area following a petition by resident SN Rohatgi. However, despite an initial crackdown by the East Delhi Municipal Corporation (EDMC), many industries resurfaced in the vicinity. These industries, often dealing in the manufacture of steel apparatus, have become deeply entrenched in the locality. The pervasive pollution further exacerbates the challenges of maintaining basic civic infrastructure.
The constituency also encompasses eight unauthorised colonies, one of the highest numbers in the national capital. Although these colonies were recently regularised by the Department of Urban Development, they still lack basic amenities such as clean water supply from the Delhi Jal Board (DJB) and proper sanitation facilities. “The sewer system is clogged, and the water we receive is often dirty and foul smelling. The water table has also receded. This is a major issue, but we don’t see viable candidates addressing it,” said Vikas Sharma, a 27-year-old res ident of Block 29.
Crime remains a pressing concern. Vishwas Nagar, which falls under the Shahdara police district, has seen consistent reports of violent crimes, including murders, snatchings, and vehicle thefts, leaving residents constantly on edge.
On December 7, businessman Sunil Jain was fatally shot while returning home from his morning walk at the Yamuna Sports Complex. Riding pillion on a scooter with a friend, Jain was attacked at the Vishwas Nagar traffic signal. An FIR under Section 103 (murder) of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS) was filed.
The incident has left an indelible mark on the community, with many residents curtailing their outdoor activities out of fear. “Things have worsened. Last year, a woman’s body was found in a bag. This year, a businessman was murdered. The crime seems never-ending,” said Reshma Rohatgi, a 36-year-old resident.
Also read: Exclusive: Over 200 Delhi schools targeted as hoax bomb threats escalate
The prevalence of street crimes, including snatchings and vehicle thefts, further com pounds the anxiety of residents. “I don’t park my car here. I’d rather walk a kilometre to a safer spot than leave it vulnerable to theft,” said Pramod Singh, 52, a local businessperson.
Interestingly, neither the BJP nor the Congress has announced their candidates for the constitu ency. However, AAP has fielded Deepak Singla for the second consecutive time, hoping to wrest the seat from Sharma.
