AAP targets Delhi government over PM Narendra Modi birthday celebrations after Satya Niketan deaths

The Aam Aadmi Party on Thursday criticised the Delhi government over the programmes being held to mark Prime Minister Narendra Modi's birthday, alleging that the celebrations were insensitive given that seven people, including five students, died in the Satya Niketan building collapse on September 6.

AAP Delhi unit president Saurabh Bharadwaj said only 11 days had passed since the tragedy and questioned the timing of what he described as "grand" celebrations.

The Delhi government has planned a series of events as part of a month-long 'Seva Sankalp Abhiyan', including a Kundiya Yajna, a blood donation camp and the lighting of lamps across the capital. The campaign runs from September 17 to October 17 and is intended to mark 25 years of Modi's public life.

AAP invokes traditional mourning period

Addressing the issue in a video message, Bharadwaj referred to Hindu Sanatan customs and said September 18 would mark the 'Terahvi', or 13th day, following the deaths.

"Innocent students of Delhi University died at the Satya Niketan paying guest on September 6, and as per Hindu Sanatan customs, Sept 18th is supposed to be their 'Terahvi' (13 days). Till then, there is 'sutak ' period and 'atma' is supposed to be present there.

"These PM birthday celebrations, hawan, lighting of diyas reflect Delhi chief minister's shamelessness and insensitivity," Bharadwaj said.

The Delhi government is organising several programmes during the campaign. These include the lighting of 1.25 lakh diyas at Kartavya Path on Thursday evening, a mega blood donation camp and a 108-kund yagya.

Satya Niketan collapse death toll reached seven

The five-storey building used as a private hostel collapsed in Satya Niketan, near Delhi University's South Campus, on September 6. The death toll subsequently rose to seven, with five students among those killed.

The collapse has also triggered scrutiny of the safety and construction practices surrounding paying guest accommodations in the area. Delhi Police has been investigating the role of the PG operators, while authorities have also taken action against an adjoining structure declared unsafe.

The Delhi High Court on Wednesday also took up petitions concerning the incident and described the collapse as involving "callous, criminal conduct".

Meanwhile, the Delhi government has announced measures including mandatory structural audits and periodic safety certifications for paying guest accommodations, hostels and other buildings used for public purposes.

One-month campaign to mark Modi's 25 years in public life

Prime Minister Modi is set to complete 25 years in governance on October 7 this year, and to celebrate this, the Delhi government is organising a one-month-long 'Seva Sankalp Abhiyan'.

The government has described the campaign as a public service and outreach initiative, with programmes including blood donation drives, health camps for senior citizens, worker registration, cleanliness campaigns and plantation drives. Development projects worth around Rs 13,820 crore are also scheduled to be inaugurated or have their foundation stones laid during the campaign, according to Chief Minister Rekha Gupta.