Evicted Delhi slum-dwellers seek Rahul Gandhi’s help for a ‘dignified rehabilitation’

Three days after the Delhi High Court permitted the eviction of residents from three slum clusters near Prime Minister's residence at Lok Kalyan Marg, a group of women approached Leader of Opposition Rahul Gandhi seeking his intervention for their "dignified rehabilitation". In a petition submitted to the Congress party's office, the women stated their desire to stay in a place where they could continue their jobs, children's education and lead a dignified life.

Half a dozen women arrived at the Congress office on Friday morning, seeking a meeting with Rahul Gandhi, however, they were unable to meet him as he was unavailable. They expressed their willingness to keep trying to meet him. The government initiated eviction action in October last year, citing the location's proximity to military installations and the need to strengthen defence infrastructure.

Despite the High Court ruling the eviction order not illegal, around 300 families continue to resist and protest. They are demanding rehabilitation in situ and assurance that they would not be evicted without suitable rehabilitation. Rahul Gandhi, elected to Lok Sabha by the people, is being urged to fight for their cause, with some residents even planning to approach the Supreme Court against the High Court's verdict.