BJP vs AAP: Battle for Delhi Slum Clusters

The BJP launched a membership drive in 252 slum clusters in Delhi, led by senior leaders including Smriti Irani. The drive aims to attract slum dwellers disillusioned with the AAP government. The AAP countered, stating that residents support CM Kejriwal for his infrastructure and education improvements.

In a strategic move ahead of the assembly polls, the BJP has initiated a membership drive across 252 slum clusters in Delhi. Senior party leader Smriti Irani spearheaded the three-day outreach, addressing party workers in various city locales, including Shahdara, Karol Bagh, and New Delhi areas.

The drive, under the leadership of Union ministers Harsh Malhotra and Alka Gurjar, aims to capture the support of slum dwellers who, according to Delhi BJP president Virendra Sachdeva, are disillusioned with the Kejriwal administration. Enthusiasm for the BJP is reportedly high among these residents, who long for better living conditions and brighter futures for their children.

However, the Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) has dismissed the BJP's initiative as a ''grand nautanki,'' asserting that the populace remains loyal to Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal. The AAP emphasized Kejriwal's transformative work in unauthorized colonies and slum areas, including infrastructure improvements and his acclaimed educational reforms.

(With inputs from agencies.)