AAP Government in Delhi Bans Demolitions in Residential, Slum Areas
Arvind Kejriwal, who was sworn in as the new Chief Minister of Delhi on Saturday, had during his campaign promised that his government would replace slums with permanent structures and would not raze a single home.
"No one should be deprived of shelter until proper arrangements are in place," Mr Kejriwal had said.
The two-day-old government's order came a day after a group of people protested outside Mr Kejriwal's home against the demolition of slums in Shahdara in east Delhi.
The slums were reportedly razed around the time when Mr Kejriwal was being sworn in on Saturday at the Ram Lila Maidan. The protesters alleged that slum dwellers were injured during the crackdown.
The police had alleged that the slums were on government land and they had orders to facilitate the demolition drive. The bulldozers were finally called off when AAP supporters reportedly spoke to Mr Kejriwal.
AAP scored a historic win in the Delhi election last week, winning 67 of 70 seats in the assembly. Its critics say the government now has the task of fulfilling promises like slashing power bills, providing free water and homes for every citizen.
In their first meetings with Prime Minister Narendra Modi and union ministers after the victory, AAP leaders called for full statehood for Delhi. The state government currently has no control over land, police and bureaucrats.
Earlier today, Union Home Minister Rajnath Singh asked the Delhi Police to extend full support to the AAP government.