AAP attacks BJP-led Delhi govt after rain causes waterlogging in Delhi

The Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) has criticised the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP)-led Municipal Corporation of Delhi (MCD) and other civic authorities following that caused widespread waterlogging and traffic chaos.

AAP leaders Atishi (leader of Opposition in Delhi Assembly) and Saurabh Bharadwaj (Delhi unit chief and minister) shared photos and videos on social media platform X (formerly Twitter), highlighting flooded roads and traffic jams, blaming the BJP for inadequate drainage management and poor preparedness.

This incident has further intensified the ongoing political tussle between AAP and BJP over governance in the national capital, especially regarding responsibilities divided between the Delhi government and the MCD.

Meanwhile, Delhi chief minister Rekha Gupta on Friday, 2 May, visited the Majnu Ka Tila area following heavy rainfall in the city and directed officials to begin repair work on potholes and sewers to help prevent waterlogging during the upcoming monsoon season.

"Waterlogging remains a concern in several parts of Delhi due to clogged drains and damaged roads," Gupta said.

"Officials have been instructed to promptly identify all vulnerable spots and begin necessary work, such as desilting drains and repairing or constructing roads, to avoid such issues during the monsoon," she told PTI Video.

However, Atishi said waterlogging outside the PWD in ITO office was symbolic of the government's failure. "First BJP failed in electricity, water and sewer. Now BJP has failed to stop waterlogging," the former CM said in Hindi.

"Is this what the people of Delhi expected from the 4-engine BJP Govt?" wrote Atishi in a post that shared videos from waterlogging in Dhaula Kuan and ITO. The "4-engine BJP government" refers to governments at the Centre, in Delhi, the municipal corporation and the local MP.

In a similar vein, AAP leader Saurabh Bharadwaj said the "reality of BJP's four-engine government" in Delhi has been exposed.

"Roads and streets got flooded even in the first and normal rain. Excuses won't work, slogans won't work, BJP should show results by doing work," he posted on X.

The BJP, which stormed to power in the Delhi Assembly elections earlier this year with 48 of 70 seats, faced sharp criticism from AAP leaders for what they called "utter unpreparedness" despite "tall" promises.

Waterlogging and sewer maintenance have remained key issues in Delhi's politics.

Delhi PWD minister Parvesh Sahib Singh visited the Minto Bridge area and shared a video of his inspection.

"Due to unseasonal record rainfall, waterlogging was seen at many places. All four pumps at Minto Bridge were functioning. A burst pipe has been identified and will be repaired," he said.

Verma added that drain cleaning by PWD, MCD, DJB, NDMC, and IFC was underway.

The India Meteorological Department (IMD) issued a red alert for Delhi which saw strong winds and heavy downpour on Friday morning.

Three flights were diverted and over 100 flights were delayed at the Delhi airport as thunderstorms and gusty winds disrupted operations.

In a rain-related incident, three children and a woman died in a house collapse in the Kharkari Nahar area of Najafgarh. The house collapsed after an uprooted tree fell on the structure, officials said.

With PTI inputs