Chandni Chowk residents protest over poor civic conditions

Residents of Chandni Chowk, along with BJP leaders and workers, staged a massive protest at Town Hall Chowk on Wednesday, decrying decades of alleged corruption and neglect in the constituency. The constituency, represented by the same MLA for 26 years, has reportedly witnessed deteriorating infrastructure, overflowing sewage and water shortages.

Leading the protest, BJP MP Praveen Khandelwal criticised the state of Chandni Chowk, Asia’s largest wholesale market, and its adjoining areas, accusing the Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) of failing to address civic issues.

“The people of Chandni Chowk now demand freedom from 26 years of corruption and underdevelopment,” Khandelwal said, addressing the gathering.

He pointed out that despite being home to key landmarks like Khari Baoli and Civil Lines, the constituency suffered from neglected roads, poor sanitation and a lack of basic amenities. “Whether it’s Civil Lines or Majnu Ka Tila, overflowing sewer lines and neglected cleanliness are common. Areas like Tis Hazari, Nawab Ganj and Priyadarshini Colony face severe water shortages,” he added.

Khandelwal said the situation was unacceptable for a constituency with such historical and economic importance. “Chandni Chowk, once the pride of Delhi, has been reduced to this condition. Despite electing the same MLA from 1998 to 2015 and then again from 2020, there are only problems and no solutions,” he said.

BJP spokesperson Praveen Shankar Kapoor also condemned the alleged removal of BJP’s posters and banners in the area by Municipal Corporation of Delhi (MCD) officials during the protest. “This act of tearing down the BJP’s banners reflects the political frustration of the AAP,” Kapoor said. He added that a formal complaint had been filed with the Municipal Commissioner, demanding action against those responsible.

The protest was attended by senior BJP leaders, including district president Kuldeep Singh, former councillor Suman Kumar Gupta and other prominent figures. Local BJP leaders expressed solidarity with the residents, pledging to address their grievances and ensure development in the constituency.