Kejriwal invites safai karamcharis to tea today, calls BJP's visit to slums a 'gimmick'

AAP national convener Arvind Kejriwal has invited safai karamcharis to tea here tomorrow.

Meanwhile, he came down heavily on the BJP, terming its leaders spending a night in slum clusters a “gimmick”.

He said the BJP leaders were going to stay in a jhuggi for a day and then, a year later, come back with bulldozers to demolish the same slum.

Criticising the move, he said the BJP was doing nothing but mocking the situation of the underprivileged. He challenged BJP leaders to live in slums for at least three-four months to understand the conditions in which they survive.

“Someone was calling it 'Jhuggi-Tourism'. Spending one night with the poor is mocking their poverty. I used to be an Income Tax Commissioner. I left my job as a Commissioner and lived in Delhi's slums from 2000 to 2010. If you have the courage, live in those slums for three-four months to see the conditions in which they survive,” Kejriwal said.

He attacked the BJP and cautioned the residents of slum clusters. “I want to tell Delhi’s jhuggi residents that you need to stay cautious of those who are coming to live with you today. These are the same people who will leave your children struggling on the streets a year from now.”

He claimed that the AAP-led government saved many slums from being demolished. However, they could not protect some.

Kejriwal further said that the Delhi Government’s work for safai karamcharis in the MCD was accomplished in two years.

“It has only been two years since our government came to power in the MCD, but we have already accomplished two major achievements. First… not a single safai karamchari has had to strike even for a day. Secondly, regularising 8,000 safai karamcharis.” “Their salaries are deposited into their accounts in the first week of every month. During Diwali, they even received their next month’s salary and bonuses before the festival,” he added.

He appealed to all MLAs and councillors to honor safai karamcharis in their areas by inviting them to their homes for tea or meals. “In my area, I am inviting all safai karamcharis for tea at my home on Wednesday. From the day after tomorrow, all MLAs should invite safai karamcharis from their areas to their homes, spend time with them and listen to their problems. Work will always continue, but take out some moments of laughter and joy with them.”