Rohini, a prominent assembly constituency in North West Delhi, has emerged as a key battleground ahead of the upcoming Delhi Assembly elections, with sanitation and safety becoming the focal points of political discourse. While the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) has long held sway over the region, the Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) is presenting a serious challenge, particularly on issues like garbage disposal, encroachments, illegal parking, and law and order.
A drive through the streets of Rohini immediately reveals the persistent issues plaguing the locality. Despite the main roads being well-maintained in many parts, the interior areas of the constituency suffer from illegal parking, garbage dumps, and encroachments. Residents in sectors such as 18, 19, 13, and 9 have expressed concerns about the unsanitary conditions, particularly the garbage that lines the streets and vacant plots, often attracting stray animals and creating health hazards. While some parts of the locality have seen improvements recently, many residents worry that these issues will return after the elections.
In terms of public amenities, Rohini residents seem more satisfied with the parks and open-air gyms, which are well-maintained in several housing societies. However, some parks have been repurposed for drying clothes and dumping garbage, raising concerns about their proper upkeep. Nonetheless, a majority of the parks are well-maintained, with locals making good use of the winter sun. Residents have also reported satisfactory electricity and water supply, which seems to be one of the better-managed services in the area.
Despite these issues, many voters appear to be content with the current Member of Legislative Assembly (MLA), who is not being blamed for the state of affairs. However, many locals feel that the Municipal Corporation of Delhi (MCD) is ultimately responsible for addressing the sanitation problems, which are a significant part of the ongoing political debate. Illegal parking remains a major issue in several parts of Rohini, especially in market areas, with residents expressing frustration over the lack of regulation. Some, like 25-year-old Gargi Chaddha, believe that although there aren’t enough parking spaces, irresponsible parking is exacerbating the problem. She also pointed out the absence of public toilets in the area, highlighting the challenge of finding functional facilities.
Crime and law and order are other significant concerns for Rohini residents. Issues like chain and mobile phone snatching are prevalent, and the region has witnessed incidents that have raised alarms about the security situation. Prashant Vihar, in particular, has seen a rise in criminal activities, with a recent incident involving the discovery of a body in a local park. The area has also been rocked by blasts in recent months, further compounding the anxiety about safety.
The Rohini assembly seat, which was formed in 2008, is part of the larger North West Delhi Lok Sabha constituency. In recent years, except for a brief period in 2013 when the AAP managed to secure the seat, the BJP has maintained a stronghold in the area. BJP’s Vijender Gupta, who has been the MLA for Rohini since 2015, is seeking re-election for a third term. Gupta, who is well-known in the region, claims that the AAP has failed to deliver on its promises, particularly regarding sanitation, and accuses AAP leader Arvind Kejriwal of neglecting his 2022 promise to make Delhi garbage-free.
Rohini’s importance to the BJP is underscored by the fact that Prime Minister Narendra Modi held one of his two rallies in Delhi here, signaling the significance the party places on retaining the seat. Gupta has also lashed out at AAP for its inability to address the garbage problem, noting that after taking control of the MCD, AAP seemed to have abandoned the issue.
On the other hand, AAP’s candidate for the seat, Pardeep Mittal, has focused his campaign on improving safety and tackling the growing crime rate in the area. Mittal, a local councillor, has blamed the lack of CCTV cameras and the presence of dark spots in several parts of the constituency for the high crime rate. He has promised to prioritize improving the law and order situation, claiming that if elected, he will ensure better street lighting and enhanced safety measures in the area.
Meanwhile, Congress has nominated Sumesh Gupta, a candidate who also ran in 2020, although his chances seem slim in comparison to the intense competition between BJP and AAP. In 2020, Gupta secured only 1,963 votes, while the BJP’s Vijender Gupta secured 62,174 votes. This year, the contest appears set to be a fight between BJP’s stronghold and AAP’s attempt to capitalize on local issues that have garnered public concern.
The fate of the candidates will be decided on February 5, when voters cast their ballots. The counting of votes will take place on February 8, marking the end of the election process for this crucial seat. With sanitation, safety, and local governance at the forefront of the debate, Rohini’s electorate faces an important decision that will shape the political future of the constituency.
