The Delhi Assembly elections are scheduled for next year. Following which political parties like AAP, BJP, and Congress have already launched their campaigns. Their primary aim is to win the hearts and minds of voters. As part of this political push, former Delhi Deputy Chief Minister Manish Sisodia visited Okhla just two days before MLA Amanatullah Khan was released in the Waqf Board case.
Opposition Criticism and Fresh Attack on Amanatullah Khan
Opposition leaders, in turn, wasted no time sharpening their criticism. However, Khan’s party workers greeted his release with enthusiasm. Despite this, BJP leader Shehzad Ali was the first to openly challenge Khan. He raised key concerns in an open letter shared on social media. In this letter, Ali highlighted ten critical issues affecting Okhla and urged residents to hold their elected representatives accountable.
As political campaigns heat up in Okhla, many aspiring candidates are eyeing the ticket across party lines. Ali’s open letter draws attention to these pressing issues and further fuels the debate. Additionally, the letter’s timing coincides with Amanatullah’s recent release from jail. This has, in turn, intensified the political debate and opposition criticism.
Meanwhile, Congress, which previously ruled Okhla before AAP claimed the seat, is also in the race to win it back. However, the party is currently facing internal divisions. A faction of younger Congress leaders has united, aiming to challenge the Old Guards, including two former Congress MLAs: Asif Mohammad Khan and Parvez Hashmi. Both are showing interest in contesting the upcoming elections.
Parvez Hashmi, for instance, has already begun engaging with young voters through social media. He is actively making his presence felt within the community. In addition, Asif’s daughter, Areeba Khan, serves as a Congress Councillor from Abul Fazal Enclave. Furthermore, another Congress leader, Shoaib Danish, is quietly campaigning for the ticket. A Congress ticket aspirant, speaking anonymously, said old leaders should step aside. They believe that it is time to give young blood a chance.
Read on for a breakdown of the 10 key issues Ali has raised and what they mean for Okhla’s future in the 2024 elections.
“Workers have dug up the roads in Okhla for many years, and sewage continues to flow. Authorities have failed to provide a solution in all this time.
In 10 years, the authorities have failed to bring drinking water to Okhla. Residents of Okhla spend Rs 9 crore daily on water.
Despite promises, the Kejriwal Government has not built a single hospital in Okhla to date.
The government has not built a single new school in Okhla to date.
Heaps of garbage are everywhere. Winds have spread dust across the entire area, and the people of Okhla suffer from respiratory diseases.
Meters are not being installed in people’s homes. If someone installs a meter, they have to pay a lot to the meter mafia.
Darkness covers all the main roads of Okhla because the MLA has not installed streetlights to date.
Why have the MLA and his team not spoken out against the stay mafia’s gangs?
In 10 years, the Kejriwal Government has failed to build a single maternity center in Okhla. Why?
In 10 years, MLA Amanatullah Khan has not built a single public library in Okhla.*
AAP Rejects Ali’s Open Letter
Team Amanatullah and the leader have consistently stated that development work may cause temporary inconvenience, but residents must remain patient. The MLA’s team has confirmed that roadwork is still in progress. “People wrongly claim that Amanatullah hasn’t done any work in the area. I ask, which leader has contributed to this area before? All ten points in the open letter are incorrect. Development is happening everywhere, but residents need to show patience. We are laying pipelines, and water will be available soon. The three-bed hospital in Sarita Vihar is ready. On education, AAP has made significant progress. New school buildings have been constructed, and a School of Excellence has opened in Sarita Vihar,” said AAP leader Sibgatullah.
Political Dynamics in Okhla: What Lies Ahead for Amanatullah Khan and AAP?
Okhla is gearing up for another election season. All eyes are on Amanatullah Khan’s political career. Despite facing criticism, Khan has strong support in the area. His leadership within AAP makes him a key contender. However, his opposition is preparing to intensify their campaigns. The battle for Okhla is heating up.
Khan won the previous election by a record margin. However, it’s unclear if he can repeat that success. He may face a tough challenge convincing voters. Political observers in Okhla say much will depend on the opposition’s candidate. There is also a noticeable shift in Muslim voters’ support towards Congress. This trend was seen in the recent Councillor elections. AAP performed weakly in Muslim-majority areas of Okhla.
Amanatullah’s Third Election Campaign: A Strong Contender for Okhla MLA Seat
Amanatullah Khan has represented Okhla for ten years. He is now preparing to run for a third term. Some local AAP leaders eyed his seat during his imprisonment. They speculated that he might be replaced. However, with his release on bail, analysts believe Khan will likely receive the party’s ticket again. He remains one of the most popular and influential figures in Okhla.
Congress, AAP blame game
The AAP has repeatedly accused Congress leaders in the MCD from Okhla of blaming AAP for doing little to improve the situation. A political observer pointed out that issues like garbage and cleanliness fall under the Councillor’s jurisdiction, but the situation remains poor. Instead of playing the blame game, AAP and Congress leaders in Okhla should work together to improve civic conditions. They could enlist the help of NGOs and activists.
However, residents argue that activists with political ambitions only get involved during election time, and they do little else. One resident added that local NGOs are equally ineffective when it comes to working in the area. This explains the neglect and lack of basic civic amenities. During elections, these leaders and ticket aspirants make tall promises but deliver nothing. A resident remarked, “These leaders spend crores on posters throughout the year but won’t spend a penny on development or cleanliness in the area. Even after more than 20 years of AAP and Congress rule the area continues to be neglected.”
