New Delhi: As a political slugfest broke out over slum demolition issue, AAP on Monday hit back at Rahul Gandhi alleging such actions were also carried out under Congress rule while Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal called him a “child”.
Aam Aadmi Party and Trinammol Congress protested near the Mahatma Gandhi statue outside Parliament condemning the demolition by Railways in Shakur Basti area of West Delhi after it was blamed for the death of an infant.
AAP also protested in Parliament over the issue after Speaker Sumitra Mahajan rejected an adjournment motion moved by it.
Taking a swipe at Rahul Gandhi, who said that both Kejriwal government and Modi government were responsible for the situation after visiting the site, AAP leader Ashutosh said his statements reflect the reasons behind Congress' defeat in Lok Sabha polls, in which it was reduced to 44 seats.
“Now I know y Congress is reduced to 44?(sic) “This is Rahul-used to talk about Kalavati,” AAP leader Ashutosh said on Twitter.
Lashing out at the Congress Vice President, Kejriwal tweeted, “Rahul Gandhi is still a child. His party probably did not tell him that Railway comes under the central government, and not under the Government of Delhi.” Kejriwal's remark came as Rahul Gandhi reportedly questioned why AAP MPs were protesting outside Parliament when it is their government that rules Delhi.
AAP leader Sanjay Singh said the Congress leader is suffering from “memory-loss” or his attacks on Kejriwal government are because of a possible “deal” struck between the Modi government and him in the Natioanl Herald case.
“Where were Congress activists when Home Minister Satyendar Jain and AAP Delhi unit convenor Dilip Pandey were at the site trying to halt the demolitions. Rahul Gandhi is suffering from memory loss. These jhuggis were demolished earlier as well and the Congress was in power both at the Centre and the state.
“Perhaps, a deal must been struck between Modi and Rahul Gandhi in the National Herald case which is why he is targeting the Kejriwal government,” Singh tweeted.
AAP sources said the matter will be raised in the Rajya Sabha by TMC and JD(U).
A fresh confrontation raged between the Arvind Kejriwal Government and Centre over the death of the infant girl at the slum cluster in West Delhi that was demolished by Railways.
The AAP government has ordered a magisterial inquiry into the demolition drive and death of the six-month girl though railways has said that the incident had “nothing to do with removal of encroachments”.
Kejriwal has also sought a meeting with Railway Minister Suresh Prabhu over the issue.
