Political Clash Over Child's Tragic Drowning in Delhi Drain

Following the death of a seven-year-old boy in a Wazirpur drain, BJP accused the Kejriwal government of negligence leading to waterlogging-related fatalities. AAP countered, pointing to administrative responsibility and accusing BJP of political theatrics. Both sides blame each other for the lack of safety measures.

Following the tragic drowning of a seven-year-old boy in a Wazirpur drain, the BJP on Monday blamed the Kejriwal government for negligence that has led to multiple waterlogging-related fatalities.

The Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) responded by cautioning against political theatrics and emphasized the administrative responsibility of the area councilor, a BJP member, for ensuring the drain remained safe.

Delhi BJP President Virendra Sachdeva criticized Kejriwal government officials for deflecting blame towards subordinates whenever accidents occur, alleging that the ministers avoid addressing growing public safety concerns.

Sachdeva specifically targeted AAP leaders like Atishi, Delhi Mayor Shelly Oberoi, and Manish Sisodia for commenting on national issues while neglecting local safety hazards.

Elaborating on the circumstances of the boy's death, Sachdeva said the child drowned on his way to a DUSIB toilet from his home, asserting that both DSIIDC and the Delhi Municipal Corporation failed in their duty to maintain the drain.

Sachdeva claimed that the number of accidents during this monsoon season in Delhi has risen due to the ''inaction'' and ''lack of planning'' by the Arvind Kejriwal government.

In their defense, AAP alleged that crucial toilets built by the party were dismantled on the orders of the LG, forcing the child to use unsafe areas. A Raj Niwas official refuted this claim, stating the LG did not call for removal of any toilets and criticized AAP for playing politics instead of addressing their own faults.

The official added that the Urban Development department, under which DUSIB falls, is responsible for providing toilet facilities.

With Urban Development, MCD, and DJB all under its purview, the AAP government should ensure necessary infrastructure like toilets is available, he stated.

(With inputs from agencies.)