With the Delhi elections just weeks away, the ruling AAP and Opposition BJP are intensifying their efforts to win the support of voters from urban slums, a significant part of the capital's electorate. The AAP has renewed its charge that Delhi's Lieutenant Governor VK Saxena approved a land use change in Shakur Basti, which could negatively affect the slum dwellers in the area. To back this claim, AAP has released a document containing the minutes from a Delhi Development Authority (DDA) technical committee meeting held on December 20, 2024.

The document mentions the approval of a request to change the land use of a 4.63-hectare plot in Shakur Basti from 'Transportation' to 'Residential,' a move the AAP argues threatens the future of slum residents. AAP has been vocal about their concerns, citing this as an example of the BJP’s plans for land acquisition, which could result in eviction for slum dwellers.

In response, Lieutenant Governor Saxena vehemently denied the allegations, stating that the claims by AAP leader Arvind Kejriwal were “completely false.” He insisted that the DDA had not altered the land use nor issued any eviction notices. Saxena further clarified that the plot in question does not contain any slums, asserting that it was unrelated to the concerns raised by AAP.

Arvind Kejriwal, on the other hand, visited Shakur Basti, accusing the BJP of prioritizing land acquisition over the welfare of the slum residents, and warned that the BJP may demolish slums if they win the upcoming elections. Union Minister Hardeep Singh Puri, a BJP leader, countered these claims, accusing the AAP government of a lack of cooperation.

Slum voters are seen as a stronghold for AAP, and both parties are keen on securing their support ahead of the Delhi elections.