War of words in Delhi Assembly over ‘homeless’ deaths: Over 200 casualties, accuses BJP; misleading, says AAP

The matter escalated into a war of words with arguments between leaders of the two parties continuing outside the House as well.

Citing a Delhi Police report, Bharatiya Janata Party’s (BJP) Ramvir Singh Bidhuri gave a notice for a calling-attention motion on the alleged deaths.

“We demand Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal to speak on the issue and provide answers,” said Bidhuri in the House.

Hitting back, AAP senior leader Saurabh Bharadwaj said that throughout the year, irrespective of weather, almost 300-350 bodies are reported every month, each with different causes of death.

“It is very clear that this list is taken from the Delhi Police Zipnet website. It is clearly evident from the photos in the list that most deaths occurred due to road accidents or murders. BJP MLAs are lying and trying to mislead the Assembly House for which they could face a case of contempt/Breach of Privileges of Assembly,” he said.

He further blamed the BJP-led Central government for “demolishing houses and slums and leaving the people homeless”.

He said that everyone knows “November didn’t have such an intense cold that it would lead to someone’s death.”

The BJP leaders were also marshalled out for demanding action on the same matter.

Later, Bidhuri said, “Delhi government is unwilling to discuss any issue concerning the public, and it is not holding itself accountable for the deaths of 203 people in Delhi,” said Bidhuri.

Earlier in the day, Delhi BJP Chief Virender Sachdeva said at a press conference: “Hundreds of people die every year in the winter due to the AAP government’s callous attitude.”

He further said, “The government’s winter action plan should provide for better arrangements for food and shelters for the homeless so that they don’t get sick in the cold. Due to this government’s negligence, a large number of night shelters are in bad shape.”