Brics summit: AAP targets Centre over ‘hiding’ Delhi slums, takes GDP dig
The Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) has criticized the Indian government for covering up slums in Delhi ahead of the BRICS summit. The party argues that these cosmetic measures fail to address real economic issues and accused the government of inflating GDP growth figures.
Why it matters
The incident highlights the political tension surrounding urban development and the optics of hosting international events in developing nations.
NEW DELHI: With India hosting the 18th Brics Summit this year, the Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) on Friday took a swipe at the Centre over the practice of covering slum areas and poor neighbourhoods ahead of major international events, saying such measures do not change the reality on the ground.AAP shared a cartoon on X showing a mirror marked “Vision 2047”, with the reflection depicting a developed Delhi and Bharat Mandapam. Outside the frame, however, the cartoon shows a slum area, garbage and makeshift homes.“Covering slums with curtains won't change the reality, just like calling 2.6% GDP Growth 7.8%,” the party said in its post.Delhi is hosting 18th Brics Summit on September 12 and 13, with leaders from the expanded grouping arriving in the national capital.The practice of putting up screens, green covers or other structures to block the view of slums and unauthorised settlements along prominent roads has drawn…
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