Delhi BJP leaders and workers on Tuesday staged a protest near Rajghat in central Delhi against the AAP government over deaths of three civil services aspirants at Rau’s coaching centre. As a mark of protest, they covered their mouths with ribbons and also paid homage to the victims by observing a two-minute silence

Delhi BJP President Virendra Sachdeva stated, “The shameless statements made yesterday need to be understood by all. Until July 26, all AAP leaders were claiming that 90 per cent of the drains had been cleaned, while the BJP had been asserting from day one that the cleaning had not even begun. After the incident in Rajendra Nagar, AAP leaders have taken a U-turn.”

Sachdeva claimed that AAP ministers lack the will to work and said, “On August 21, 2023, the Chief Secretary sent a proposal to the minister to focus on drainage management, the Master Drainage Plan, and complete desilting. However, Saurabh Bhardwaj sat on the proposal for five months and then returned it with a note.” He added that the Chief Secretary resubmitted the file for approval on April 8, 2024, but it remains pending with Bhardwaj.

“Following the Mukherjee Nagar incident, the Supreme Court directed the Delhi government to audit the buildings housing coaching institutes and PG accommodations. Sanjay Singh and Saurabh Bhardwaj should present that audit report. If they had been proactive, the students’ lives could have been saved,” Sachdeva stated.

New Delhi MP Bansuri Swaraj remarked that the issue is extremely sensitive and reveals the AAP government’s lack of empathy. “Despite being in power for over a decade and making grand claims, they have failed to manage a half-hour rain without flooding the city. On July 22 and 24, after heavy rains caused waterlogging, the local people of Rajendra Nagar repeatedly complained to the MLA and the municipal councilor,” she said, adding that they were given assurances but no action was taken.

Chandni Chowk Praveen Khandelwal said, “AAP MPs were accusing Congress on Monday, but today the INDIA coalition members are protesting at Jantar Mantar in support of Kejriwal. This double standard is evident. The rules are clear; such a government should be dismissed immediately.”

Sachdeva alleged that the residents of Rajendra Nagar had been lodging complaints with their MLA and municipal councilor for days. “But if MLA Durgesh Pathak and councilor Aarti Chawla had heeded those concerns, this incident could have been avoided. The AAP, known for accepting commissions and bribes, is again trying to escape responsibility and refuses to accept any blame,” he said.