Left Parties Protest "Forced" Slum Demolitions in Delhi, Demand Rehabilitation

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CPI(M) leader Brinda Karat at the protest held on May 29, 2025 by Left parties at Jantar Mantar against the demolition of slums in Delhi. Photo: CPI(M)

Left Parties Protest “Forced” Slum Demolitions in Delhi, Demand Rehabilitation

Ms. Karat demanded compensation or alternative housing for the displaced families who have been moved without rehabilitation.

RMN News Delhi Desk
May 30, 2025

New Delhi – Left parties and activists gathered at Jantar Mantar on Thursday (May 29) to protest against what they described as “forced” demolition and eviction drives being carried out in the national capital. The protest comes amidst the latest “cleanliness” drive launched earlier this month by Chief Minister Rekha Gupta.

According to the protesters, the drive follows a familiar pattern: a promise of a “green and aesthetically pleasing city”, a crackdown on so-called encroachments, and a selective demolition campaign targeting the capital’s most vulnerable.

Senior CPI(M) leader Brinda Karat addressed the protesters, stating that the BJP had previously promised “Jahan jhuggi, wahan makaan” (house in place of slum) to the poor. However, she claimed that contrary to this promise, the BJP-led Delhi government was demolishing slums without providing rehabilitation to the slum dwellers.

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Ms. Karat asserted that this action “exposes the anti-poor and anti-people policy of the Delhi government”. She highlighted the severe impact on the displaced population, stating that “lakhs of people are being displaced and pushed towards insecurity, unemployment and homelessness”. She characterized this as a “direct violation of the Constitution and human rights”.

Furthermore, Ms. Karat demanded compensation or alternative housing for the displaced families who have been moved without rehabilitation. She also urged women to participate in the movement in large numbers.

CPI(M) Delhi secretary Anurag Saxena echoed these sentiments, stating that both the Central and Delhi governments are using bulldozers on slums in the name of “so-called development”, environmental protection, and beautification. Mr. Saxena warned that “If bulldozing of slums is not stopped immediately, the protests will be intensified”.

Several leaders from CPI, CPI(ML), and other Left parties also participated in the protest.