On February 7 and 8, 2024, BMC officers and workers started demolishing around 200 “illegal” structures made of tin and bamboo in a Panchsheel Nagar colony, which contained approximately 300 homes. The demolition primarily affected Dalit, Buddhist, and Muslim families, many of whom had lived there for over 20 years.
In the aftermath of the demolition, many residents, traditionally supporters of the Congress party, felt betrayed and neglected by all political parties including Congress.
They believed their votes were taken for granted, as no significant assistance had come from the party. Despite their grievances, there was a paradoxical loyalty to the Congress, with many hoping for intervention from leaders like Rahul Gandhi. Their frustration intensified with fears of more demolitions post the upcoming Lok Sabha elections. This situation plunged the community into fear and uncertainty, causing them to question the political promises made to them and the actual support they received.
This story was originally published in maktoobmedia.com. Read the full story here.
