Voters Gear Up For Elections: TJR’s Ground Report from Batla House

As one walks through the narrow lanes of Batla House market, which falls under the Okhla Assembly Constituency, posters of Ariba Khan, the Congress candidate for Okhla, are seen plastered everywhere. The area is lively and bustling, lined with shops and restaurants that draw a crowd throughout the day. However, Batla House also grapples with several persistent issues—waterlogging, broken roads, poor cleanliness, and severe traffic congestion—all of which remain major concerns for the residents as they head to the polls. The Jamia Review went on ground in Batla House to interview voters and gather their perspectives on the upcoming Delhi Elections on February 5 2025. Here’s what they had to say:

Abdul Razik, a 60-year-old hawker, has been voting in Delhi since 2006. Based on his voting experience, he firmly believes that Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) leader Arvind Kejriwal is the best option for the city. His political stance is marked by strong opposition to the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP), which he describes as a “destructive force” that must be resisted. He is confident that BJP’s lack of a CM candidate will not impact the election outcome, as they have no real voter base in Delhi.

Additionally, he remains deeply critical of the Citizenship Amendment Act (CAA) and the National Register of Citizens (NRC), labeling them as “demonic” policies that could have significantly worsened the lives of Muslims. He considers the anti-CAA protesters as “true messiahs” for their resistance against these laws. Despite his dissatisfaction with AAP’s response to these laws and subsequent protests, he acknowledges that his policies benefit all communities equally.

He is in strong support of the All India Majlis-e-Ittehadul Muslimeen (AIMIM) due the contribution of Assaduddin Owaisi in opposing the alleged draconian laws like CAA-NRC and emphasises that he will vote for Owaisi’s party due to their sacrifice in safeguarding the rights of the Muslim community.

Rimsha, 24, works in a boutique in the bustling market where she faces difficulties due to lack of clean washrooms for women in the area. Despite this, she expresses her appreciation for the Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) government. For her, “Kejriwal is the best.” When asked about the religious symbols in the political campaigns, Rimsha’s support towards AAP doesn't waver as she feels that they work for everyone regardless of their political or religious orientation. "Wo bhi insaan hai, hum bhi insaan hai (They are humans, and we are humans as well)," she says, emphasising that humanity should prevail over divisive politics.

She is very happy with the free bus service for women, especially in light of women’s safety concerns in the city, but she dismisses the allowance offered to women by different contesting parties as a "lalach" (greedy lure) to secure votes. In her view, financial support should be extended to everyone and not just women.

Opinions on AAP’s free services vary among the voters. Mohd Kashif, a 21-year-old student at Jamia Millia Islamia, who lives in the neighbouring Shaheen Bagh area, is among those who praise the party. “They work for everyone,” he says, highlighting benefits like free DTC bus rides, subsidized electricity, and Mohalla Clinics providing free medicines. However, he hopes the elections will bring attention to the lack of jobs, emphasising that unemployment is a crisis every youth grapples with. He hopes to see more secure jobs, and control of inflation from the government.

In contrast, Naseem Khan, 47, from Zakir Nagar, emphasises that “freebies are poison for the country.” He compares the present-day Delhi with the past, reminiscing about a time when the city was rapidly developing. He credits former Chief Minister Sheila Dikshit for the major infrastructural advancements, including the metro and improved roads, and for providing proper housing to those in slums. In his view, the government’s focus on “freebies” has come at the cost of development. He argues that essential infrastructure is being neglected. He believes Dikshit’s success stemmed from her reluctance to rely on populist measures.

Whereas, another Muslim man (name undisclosed), 70, from Okhla looks back to the time of Indira Gandhi, when there was no religious politics. He feels that the current government divides the citizens on the basis of religion. He emphasises the identity of the citizens as “Indians,” reflecting that all communities have fought for freedom and requests Prime Minister Modi to spread love instead. Working with the Municipal Corporation of Delhi to manage traffic congestion, he claims he hasn’t been properly paid in 15 years.

TJR also tried to reach out to people who live on the streets, and ask for alms in Delhi’s unforgiving weather. Aleem-un-Nisa, a handicapped alms seeker, who lives in a slum in Pahalwan Chowk with her visually challenged husband and 5 children, claims that she does not have a voter ID. She would have applied for one, but was not aware of the know-how of it all. Her children go to the local government school and she feeds her family with the alms she collects in the day. She receives no government-provided ration, she says. Rimsha also expresses concern for the homeless, who are a common sight in the market. Ahead of the elections, she hopes the government will address their plight and help them off the streets.

Zeeshan, 24, an AC technician who works in Batla House area, also expresses his frustration with the AAP government, saying, “It is only when the elections are around the corner that the authorities suddenly start repairing roads and making promises. But for the rest of the time, we are left to struggle with these problems." He also points out that the stagnant water and unhygienic surroundings make it difficult for people to go about their daily routines, including offering prayers at mosques. “When we go to offer namaz, dirty water splashes on our clothes. This is not just an inconvenience but a matter of piousness and dignity towards our faith,” he explains. Additionally, he pointed out the rising issues of substance abuse and theft, leaving residents worried for their safety.

Meanwhile Danish, a 35-year-old garment shop owner in Batla House, stands in stark contrast to Zeeshan’s dissatisfaction. He is highly satisfied with the AAP government’s work, particularly in education, healthcare, and civic amenities. For him, Kejriwal is not just a political leader but a deeply admired figure. “Woh dilon par chhaye hain (He rules hearts).” Comparing him to Mamata Banerjee in West Bengal, he believes Kejriwal’s grip over Delhi will remain unchallenged.

Danish does not blame the government for the infrastructural issues in Batla House. Instead, he attributes them to the sheer population density, dismissing claims that the government’s inefficiency is responsible. He is particularly appreciative of the local AAP MLA, Amanatullah Khan, acknowledging his continued work despite alleged obstacles posed by the BJP.

Residents hope that whichever party comes to power will prioritize infrastructure development and cleanliness in the area. “We will vote for the party that genuinely works for the people, not just before elections but throughout their term,” Zeeshan asserts.

Ground Report by: Sidra Aman, Kumar Aryan and Aryanshu Singh Sengar for TJR.

Photos by: Fiza Ansari for TJR.