Delhi’s Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) has strongly criticized the BJP government over widespread waterlogging, sarcastically calling it a “marvel” of the “four-engine” model. AAP leaders shared videos of severely waterlogged areas across Delhi, questioning the BJP’s governance. Chief Minister Rekha Gupta inspected the situation at ITO, promising a detailed report.
🌊 Waterlogging Crisis—”Marvel of the Four‑Engine Model”
After heavy monsoon rains lashed Delhi, AAP leaders launched harsh criticism of the new BJP administration, ridiculing their “four‑engine government” as a public failure in civic management.
Former Delhi CM Atishi shared stark videos of Connaught Place’s Outer Circle transforming into a pond after just 10 minutes of rain:
“This is the marvel of the BJP’s four‑engine government… where is PWD Minister @p_sahibsingh ji? What is Chief Minister Rekha Gupta doing?”
MillenniumPostBusiness TodayHindustan Times
Similar visuals from LNJP and Safdarjung Hospital premises highlighted the depth of waterlogging and the extent of traffic disruption across zones like Connaught Place, ITO, Pragati Maidan, and Bahadur Shah Zafar Marg.MillenniumPostHindustan TimesBusiness Today
🏊 “Free Water Sports” at Public Expense
AAP’s flashing protests included sharp visual satire—depicting submerged streets and humorously dubbed “boat rides”:
In Patparganj, a man was filmed rowing in an inflatable bathtub.
AAP’s Geeta Rawat posted a clip boating down NH‑24 to ridicule empty claims of effective governance:
“Free water sports, courtesy four-engine BJP.”
www.ndtv.comUni IndiaFormer deputy CM Manish Sisodia added satirical commentary on the spectacle, calling the whole scenario a farce.www.ndtv.comUni India
⚠️ Infrastructure Failure Exposed
Senior AAP MLA Sanjeev Jha called the situation a disaster:
“All four engines of BJP’s government in Delhi have drowned. They promised a waterlogging-free monsoon, but even light showers expose the inefficiency.”
He noted major drainage gaps across infrastructure agencies: nearly 40% of PWD drains, and significant parts of MCD and Irrigation Department drains remain improperly cleaned.The Tribune
Saurabh Bharadwaj, AAP’s Delhi unit chief, echoed this concern—highlighting that out of 445 designated waterlogging spots, nearly 400 flooded on inspection night. He also derided repeated promises by the Chief Minister that the city was monsoon-ready.The Times of IndiaThe TribuneUni India
🧱 Tragedy & Administrative Apathy
Other AAP leaders seized the moment to expose deeper civic issues:
BJMC Wall collapse near Raj Niwas claimed the lives of a woman and her son. Bharadwaj accused the Lieutenant Governor of neglect, pointing out absence of any outreach.MillenniumPostBusiness Today
AAP claimed water entered premises of both Central and city-run hospitals, including RML and LNJP, amidst no visible government intervention.MillenniumPostBusiness Today
Manish Sisodia further accused the BJP of corruption—particularly claiming funds meant for cleaning equipment and sweeper salaries were misused. He questioned how effective civic cleanup can be achieved within such compromised systems.MillenniumPostBusiness Today
✅ BJP Responds: Infrastructure & Prevention Claims
The BJP, led by Delhi Pradesh President Virendra Sachdeva, countered AAP allegations:
He claimed the previous AAP government’s negligence was responsible for deadly incidents last year, and emphasised BJP’s pre–monsoon readiness and infrastructure improvement.The Times of IndiaThe Times of India
BJP argued that critical areas like Minto Bridge and ITO received infrastructure upgrades. Any waterlogging was addressed swiftly, in contrast to AAP’s inaction during their past term.The Times of IndiaThe Times of India
📊 Summary Table
Major Claim | AAP Allegation | BJP Counterpoint |
---|---|---|
Infrastructure failure | Drain networks were poorly maintained | Upgrades done in key hotspots; swift response |
Civic mismanagement | 90% designated flood spots still flooded | Key drains were desilted; prepared systems in place |
Political spectacle vs. action | Mocked as theatrical “water sports” and blame-shifting | Emphasised prior negligence under AAP governance |
Human impact & tragedy | Deaths and property damage during floods | Claimed disaster avoidance due to proactive governance |
🧠 Why It Matters
Performance Pressure: As a newly elected administration, the BJP faces early credibility tests on urban infrastructure.
Civic Trust Under Scrutiny: Delhiites remember past floods and fatalities—accountability is central to both parties’ messaging.
Temperature Test for Governance: How well Delhi’s complex, overlapping civic frameworks (MCD, PWD, DDA, Jal Board) coordinate shows administrative maturity.
AAP’s harsh rebuke signals heightened political rhetoric just months into BJP’s Delhi government term. With heavy monsoon showers predicted until August 3, as per the IMD, the city’s drainage plan—and political claims—are under relentless public scrutiny.