Women protesting on site (Image Source: IANS Video on X)
On June 22, Civil Defense volunteers staged a massive protest against their recent job termination, voicing their grievances against the Aam Aadmi Party, (AAP)-led Delhi government. The volunteers, who played a crucial role in various civic duties, expressed their frustration over the sudden loss of employment and the government’s lack of response to their plight.
“Our employment has been snatched away, the Delhi government is not giving us any answers, and on top of that, they are calling us goons,” said one of the protesting volunteers. The protest highlights growing unrest among workers affected by the terminations.
Adding to the city’s instability, Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal remains in jail for to his involvement in the Liquor Policy Scam. Despite his arrest, Kejriwal has not resigned from his post, further exacerbating the political crisis in the capital.
The Delhi government is currently facing a barrage of allegations, including a severe water crisis, the Mohalla Clinic scam, the Jal Board scam, and irregularities in the education sector and more. Each of these issues has contributed to an atmosphere of uncertainty and dissatisfaction among Delhi’s residents.
The termination of Civil Defence volunteers is seen as another blow to the city’s already strained infrastructure and governance. Volunteers have been integral in managing public services and maintaining order, and their absence is likely to affect the city’s functioning.
“We demand our jobs back and an explanation from the government,” shouted another protestor, reflecting the collective sentiment of the crowd. The protesters have vowed to continue their demonstrations until their demands are met and clarity is provided by the authorities.
On the other hand, Delhi Water Minister Atishi Marlena commenced an indefinite hunger strike, demanding that Haryana release Delhi’s “rightful” share of water. The national capital has been grappling with severe water scarcity, which Atishi alleges is due to the Bharatiya Janata Party-ruled state of Haryana reducing the city’s water supply. This reduction has directly impacted around 28 lakh residents. Sunita Kejriwal, wife of Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal, was among the prominent AAP leaders present at the event, referred to as “Paani Satyagraha.”
However, the Delhi unit of BJP has termed the fast as a sham and wrote, “What kind of indefinite satyagraha is this, where Atishi goes to eat and rest in an AC room during lunchtime and at night? A big scam is going on.” The party also shared a video of empty chairs as well as the podium with images of Atishi Marlena and Arvind Kejriwal in the background on social media to drive the point home.
The political turmoil and the slew of allegations against the Delhi government have left the city’s administration in a vulnerable state, with each passing day bringing new challenges. The public’s trust in the government is waning, and the need for effective leadership and transparency has never been more critical.
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