The BJP has condemned the Delhi government’s move to demolish slum clusters at Rajiv Camp in Madanpur Khadar, Naraina Z-block and Kirti Nagar without giving prior notice.

“The slum cluster at Naraina Z-block was demolished today, and the one at Rajiv Camp in Madanpur Khadar were demolished two days ago — both without giving prior notice,” Delhi BJP general-secretary Ramesh Bidhuri said on Thursday. “How does the government expect people to live in the open in this heat?”

Bidhuri pointed out Ajay Maken had laid down foundation stone at Old Katpatuli Colony in Sadipur before the elections, indicating that accommodation will be provided to people from poor families. “But a cluster home to about 500 families was demolished in Kirti Nagar two weeks ago,” he said.

“It was reasoned that the place is required for Metro expansion.”

The BJP has alleged that Congress leaders themselves set up most of these slum clusters. “The Rajiv Camp at Madanpur Khadar was established in 1970 by Chaudhary Bhure Lal, and these people were issued ration cards during VP Singh’s tenure as the Prime Minister.

“The Jhuggi Colony at Naraina Z-block had also come up before 1994,” Bidhuri said. “The Congress has stated in its election manifesto that slum colonies that had been set up before 1994 will not be demolished without making alternative arrangements.”