NEW DELHI: Former Delhi Cabinet Minister Kailash Gahlot is contesting the 2025 Assembly elections from the Bijwasan constituency. Gahlot, who previously served as the Transport Minister under the Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) government, resigned from AAP citing unfulfilled promises and a desire to better serve the public.
After addressing residents at the Bijwasan Panchayat Bhawan, Gahlot told The New Indian, “The aim is clear: Bijwasan is struggling for basic facilities like water and sewerage. Our priority will be making these facilities available.” He emphasized the constituency’s pressing need for infrastructure improvements.
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Gahlot also highlighted the absence of a sewage treatment plant (STP) in Bijwasan, noting that untreated sewage is being directly discharged into the Yamuna River. He criticized AAP leader Arvind Kejriwal for failing to fulfil his promise of cleaning the Yamuna.
The issue of untreated sewage is a significant environmental concern for Delhi. Reports indicate that a substantial portion of the city’s sewage is either untreated or partially treated before being released into the Yamuna. Factors contributing to this include under-capacity sewage treatment plants and inadequate infrastructure in unauthorized colonies.
In 2024, the Delhi government approved projects worth nearly ₹1,855 crore to lay sewer lines in 39 unauthorized colonies, including areas in Bijwasan. This initiative aimed to connect households to the sewer network as part of a broader plan to clean the Yamuna by 2025. However, critics argue that progress has been slow and uneven, leaving many areas, particularly in Bijwasan, without proper sewage infrastructure.
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Gahlot’s defection to the BJP is seen as a strategic move to leverage his influence among Jat voters in the upcoming elections. His departure from AAP and subsequent criticism of its governance underscore the challenges the party faces as it seeks to retain control of Delhi.
As the 2025 Assembly elections approach, Bijwasan has become a focal point for discussions on infrastructure development and environmental sustainability. Residents are hopeful that the upcoming electoral contest will bring much-needed attention and resources to address the longstanding issues in their constituency.
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Gahlot’s commitment to prioritizing basic amenities resonates with many voters who have long felt neglected. The effectiveness of his proposed solutions and the response from other political contenders will play a crucial role in shaping the future of Bijwasan.
The political landscape in Delhi is witnessing significant shifts, with former allies becoming rivals. The electorate’s decision in the forthcoming elections will determine the trajectory of development and governance in constituencies like Bijwasan.
