Delhi Assembly Elections 2025 – Slum Voter Dynamics

The Delhi Assembly Elections of 2025 are approaching with intense campaigning. The elections are scheduled for February 5. The political landscape is primarily shaped by three major parties – the Aam Aadmi Party (AAP), the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP), and the Indian National Congress. A focus is on the slum-dwelling population. Approximately 15 lakh slum voters represent about 10% of the total electorate.

Significance of Slum Votes

Slum voters hold considerable sway in Delhi’s elections. In the previous two elections, around 80% of this demographic supported AAP. The party’s welfare initiatives, such as free electricity, free water, and mohalla clinics, have garnered strong support. AAP leader Arvind Kejriwal has positioned himself as a champion for slum residents. Their campaign strategies include door-to-door outreach and public meetings to solidify their voter base.

BJP’s Approach to Slum Rehabilitation

The BJP has also targeted slum voters. Prime Minister Narendra Modi recently inaugurated the Swabhiman Apartments project aimed at slum rehabilitation. This initiative follows an extensive outreach campaign by BJP leaders in slum areas. The party claims that AAP’s current welfare schemes would be at risk if they were to lose power.

Agencies Involved in Slum Rehabilitation

Slum rehabilitation in Delhi involves several agencies. The Delhi Development Authority (DDA) and the Delhi Urban Shelter Improvement Board (DUSIB) play crucial roles. DDA manages rehabilitation on central government land while DUSIB oversees JJ clusters on municipal land. Both agencies collaborate with various central government bodies for effective relocation and rehabilitation processes.

Challenges in the Rehabilitation Process

Rehabilitation efforts face numerous challenges. The size of land allocated to slum dwellers has decreased over the years. Originally, families received plots of 80 square yards. This has diminished to as little as 12.5 square yards. In response, the government has shifted its policy from land allocation to providing flats. The “Jahan Jhuggi Wahan Makan” initiative introduced in 2015 aims to rehabilitate slum residents within a close radius of their current homes.

Current Policies and Future Directions

The Delhi Master Plan 2021 outlines rehabilitation strategies. It stipulates that at least 60% of land must be used for in-situ redevelopment. DUSIB conducts surveys to verify slum residents’ eligibility for rehabilitation. The costs associated with these efforts include construction and potential land acquisition expenses.

Political Implications

The upcoming elections are very important for all parties involved. The substantial slum voter base can influence the electoral outcome. Each party’s ability to address the needs and concerns of slum residents will be crucial in securing votes.

Questions for UPSC:

1. Discuss the impact of urbanisation on slum development and rehabilitation in major Indian cities.
2. Critically examine the role of government policies in addressing the needs of slum dwellers in India.
3. What are the socio-economic implications of slum rehabilitation projects? Provide suitable examples.
4. Explain the challenges faced by political parties in appealing to slum voters during elections.

Answer Hints:

1. Discuss the impact of urbanisation on slum development and rehabilitation in major Indian cities.

1. Urbanisation leads to increased migration to cities, resulting in rapid slum formation due to housing shortages.
2. Infrastructure development often lags behind population growth, exacerbating living conditions in slums.
3. Government policies may struggle to keep pace with urban expansion, affecting timely rehabilitation efforts.
4. Slum areas often lack basic amenities, denoting the need for targeted urban planning and investment.
5. Successful rehabilitation requires coordination between multiple agencies and sustainable development practices.

2. Critically examine the role of government policies in addressing the needs of slum dwellers in India.

1. Policies like “Jahan Jhuggi Wahan Makan” aim to provide in-situ rehabilitation, but implementation is often inconsistent.
2. Government initiatives frequently face bureaucratic hurdles, delaying the benefits reaching slum residents.
3. Affordability of housing remains challenge, as new policies may not cater to low-income families.
4. Collaboration between state and central agencies is crucial for effective policy execution and resource allocation.
5. Community involvement in policy-making can enhance relevance and acceptance among slum dwellers.

3. What are the socio-economic implications of slum rehabilitation projects? Provide suitable examples.

1. Rehabilitation projects can improve living conditions, leading to better health outcomes and quality of life.
2. Access to basic services like water and sanitation can enhance productivity and economic opportunities for residents.
3. Successful projects, such as the DDA’s initiatives, can reduce urban poverty and contribute to economic growth.
4. However, inadequate planning can lead to social displacement and community fragmentation.
5. Long-term sustainability of rehabilitation efforts requires ongoing support and investment in local economies.

4. Explain the challenges faced by political parties in appealing to slum voters during elections.

1. Parties must address the diverse needs of slum voters, which can be challenging due to varying socio-economic conditions.
2. Trust issues arise from past broken promises, making it difficult to secure slum residents’ votes.
3. Effective communication and outreach strategies are necessary to engage slum voters and convey party agendas.
4. Parties face competition from each other, with each vying to prove their commitment to slum welfare.
5. Political narratives must be sensitive to slum residents’ realities to resonate and mobilize support effectively.