Battle Over Delhi Roads: BJP vs AAP

The BJP accused AAP of neglecting Delhi's roads for a decade, only addressing issues close to elections. BJP president Virendra Sachdeva cited corruption in the Public Works Department. AAP responded, alleging BJP's obstructionism. Both parties blame each other for the poor condition and urgent need for repair of the city's roads.

The BJP on Monday accused the Aam Aadmi Party government of neglecting the city's roads for the past decade and only addressing the issue just 10 weeks before the upcoming assembly election.

Delhi BJP president Virendra Sachdeva alleged in a statement that the Public Works Department (PWD), responsible for maintaining Delhi's roads, has been controlled by the 'most corrupt faces' of the Kejriwal government.

In response, the AAP stated that 'Despite unprecedented rainfall requiring urgent road repairs, the BJP deliberately obstructed progress, driven by divisive and negative politics.' With Arvind Kejriwal's release, they claimed, Delhi's pending works would now be completed on a war footing.

Sachdeva further alleged that individuals including Arvind Kejriwal, Satyendra Jain, Manish Sisodia, and Atishi are primarily responsible for the poor condition of Delhi's roads. Kejriwal had inspected roads on September 27 and urged immediate repairs.

Sachdeva criticized AAP for neglecting maintenance and only acting near election time, drawing comparisons to the roads during Lalu Yadav's era in Bihar. In contrast, Delhi cabinet ministers led by Atishi inspected roads to ensure a pothole-free city by Diwali.

The Delhi BJP president also claimed widespread corruption in the Delhi Jal Board and PWD, affecting sewers and drains, resulting in severe waterlogging and further road damage.

Despite last-minute inspections or repairs, Sachdeva asserted that residents of Delhi would not forgive AAP for incompetence and corruption. AAP, however, accused BJP of falsely implicating Kejriwal to sabotage progress and tarnish their reputation at the expense of public welfare.

(With inputs from agencies.)