Atishi Marlena, the Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) MLA from Kalkaji, who recently took over as an education minister, after the former Deputy Chief Minister of Delhi, Manish Sisodia was arrested by the Enforcement Directorate (ED) over the liquor policy scam, tweeted a video showing houses being demolished by the bulldozer in Kalkaji.
Atishi Marlena while sharing the video wrote that before elections the Prime Minister had promises that he would build apartments in place of jhuggis (which are typically composed of mud and iron sheets and are situated in extremely underdeveloped areas of cities). However, the BJP-run DDA is currently using bulldozers in the landless camp of Kalkaji after the election.
She further quoted her own tweet and wrote, “BJP betrayed once again. They could not fulfill his election slogan ‘Jaha jhuggi, wahan makaan’, but they definitely destroyed the houses of the poor by using bulldozers of the DDA in the landless camp, Kalkaji.”
She further added, “I have come here late at night to talk to the people, to support them. Arranging for water and electricity. Will file the case in the court in the morning. We are with them in the fight for the rights of the poor.”
So, is it true that DDA while following the orders of the BJP bulldozed the houses of the poor in Kalkaji? Let’s Fact Check.
Also Read: Acid attack by John on Muslim woman in London portrayed as Bhagwa Love Trap by Islamists
Fact Check
Since, the allegations were regarding DDA, so during our investigation, we first decided to go through the official website of DDA to get some info on the matter. During this, we came across a significant development, a video from November 2, 2022, which proved to be an eye-opener and addressed numerous questions and claims surrounding the Delhi Development Authority (DDA). This video captured a momentous event where Prime Minister Modi himself inaugurated a remarkable achievement—the construction of 3,024 flats at Kalkaji under the In-Situ Rehabilitation Project on November 2, 2022.
The inauguration ceremony was marked by great significance as PM Modi personally handed over the keys of these newly constructed flats to over 500 Jhuggi Jhopdi (slum) dwellers from the Bhoomiheen camp.
Moreover, we also found the same inauguration video on Delhi Development Authority official Youtube channel, posted on November 2, 2022.
Next, we stumbled upon a significant document dated April 19, 2023, on the official website of the Delhi Development Authority (DDA), which shed further light on the entire situation. This document provided a comprehensive list of names comprising all the Jhuggi Jhopdi (slum) dwellers from the Bhoomiheen camp who were allocated flats at Kalkaji under the In-Situ Rehabilitation scheme.
The document unveiled an impressive outcome, revealing that a total of 1,093 families were granted the opportunity to secure a new home through this initiative.
After this, we did a keyword research with the words, demolition at Bhoomiheen Camp. During this, we stumbled upon an insightful report published by The Times of India on June 7, 2023. According to this report, the Delhi Development Authority (DDA) commenced a meticulously planned demolition drive at Bhoomiheen Camp on June 6, 2023, with the objective of removing all structures that were previously occupied by jhuggi-jhopdi dwellers who had already shifted to their allotted flats.
The DDA took necessary steps to ensure that the affected residents were given due notice and that public announcements were made prior to the demolition drive. The report emphasized that the demolition drive was carried out in a phased manner, ensuring a systematic approach to the process. The authorities adhered to the guidelines and protocols outlined in the Delhi Slum and Jhuggi Jhopri Rehabilitation and Relocation Policy of 2015, which falls under the purview of the Delhi Urban Shelter Improvement Board.
Furthermore, the report highlights that all 1,862 eligible jhuggi-jhopdi (JJ) dwellers from Bhoomiheen Camp have been allocated flats at the project located in A-14, Kalkaji Extension. Of the total eligible beneficiaries, a remarkable 1,200 JJ dwellers have already made the transition and shifted into their assigned flats.
So, all these points prove that the claims made by AAP MLA Atishi Marlena were false and misleading. It becomes apparent that her narrative was selective, conveniently omitting crucial information and presenting only one side of the story. By highlighting the demolition of houses without mentioning that the affected families had already been relocated to their allotted flats through the In-Situ Rehabilitation project of the central government, she distorted the reality and misled the public.
The evidence presented, including the video of Prime Minister Modi inaugurating the flats at Kalkaji, the document listing the names of the allocated beneficiaries, and the report on the demolition drive, collectively paint a more comprehensive picture. They showcase the commitment of the Delhi Development Authority (DDA) and the government to provide dignified housing solutions to the underprivileged, ensuring a smoother transition and improved living conditions for those previously residing in slum areas.
| Claim | DA while following the orders of the BJP bulldozed the houses of the poor in Kalkaji |
| Claimed by | AAP MLA Atishi Marlena |
| Fact Check | False and Misleading |
The goal of the Only Fact Team is to provide authentic news facts and debunk lies to safeguard readers’ interests.
Dear Readers, we are working to debunk fake news which is against India. We don’t have corporate funding like others. Your small support will help us grow further.
If you like our work, support and donate us using the Livix Media Foundation QR code.
Jai Hind!
