Lagatar24 Desk
New Delhi, June 11: Thousands of people gathered resolutely in Delhi on Sunday at Ramlila Maidan to express their displeasure with a recent ordinance issued by the Central government that essentially gave the Lieutenant Governor control over the bureaucracy in the nation’s capital.
Men, women, children, and elderly people filled the space despite the sweltering heat that peaked at a scorching 43 degrees. Many others stood on the streets in the shade. To protect themselves from the scorching sun, some wore scarves on their heads and splashed water on their faces.
Many people in the maidan stood close to coolers and fans, and some others utilised improvised paper fans. Along the roadways, AAP workers handed out water bottles and water pouches to supporters.
The Aam Aadmi Party supporters carried the tricolour and marked their participation using the cameras on their smartphones while donning the party’s signature caps.
The protesters’ collective voice reverberated through the streets surrounding Ramlila Maidan as they screamed “Kejriwal jindabad” and anti-BJP government slogans.
The “commitment to improving the lives of the poor people in the city” of Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal was praised by several of the attendees.
Many people expressed their satisfaction with the advancements made in healthcare and education during the AAP government’s rule.
“My grandchildren studied in a private school earlier. We shifted them to government schools in Karol Bagh last year. We had never imagined government schools could provide such good education,” said Mukhtar Beig, a 68-year-old AAP supporter.
“But the BJP doesn’t wish good for the poor people. They arrested Delhi’s education minister Manish Sisodia under a frivolous charge to stop the work being done by the AAP government. People are not fools. They know the truth.” 38-year-old teacher Radhika Sharma from east Delhi applauded the AAP’s initiatives to enhance the educational system.
“Kejriwal and his government have revolutionised education in Delhi. The transformation I’ve witnessed in many students is remarkable. The attempts to undermine these efforts are deeply concerning,” she said.
Supporters used the demonstration as a chance to highlight the accomplishments of the AAP government.
A 45-year-old businessman from south Delhi, Naveen Kumar, praised the initiatives made to improve the healthcare industry.
“The Mohalla clinics and government hospitals have been a boon to the common man. I’ve personally experienced the excellent healthcare services they provide. It’s a shame that the LG and the BJP are trying to disrupt this progress,” Kumar said.
Some said that the BJP primarily served the interests of the wealthy.
A 55-year-old farmer from Sangrur, Punjab, Phulkar Singh who travelled to the event, condemned the saffron party, saying, “The BJP is anti-poor. They prioritize the needs of industrialists and corrupt individuals. We need a government that works for the common man, and Arvind Kejriwal has proven his dedication to our welfare.”
Aarti Gupta, a social worker from West Delhi who is 40 years old, claimed that the LG and the BJP were playing a political game to thwart the advancements made by the city government. “The LG’s interference in our government’s affairs is a blatant attempt to obstruct the good work being done by Arvind Kejriwal. We will not stand idly by while they play dirty politics at the expense of the people’s welfare,” Gupta said.
