AAP, IVP back striking MCD workers

As the Municipal Corporation of Delhi (MCD) workers’ indefinite strike entered its eighth day on Monday, Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) councillors and leaders of the Indraprastha Vikas Party (IVP) extended their support to the protesters.

Over 5,000 MCD workers, including domestic breeding checkers, multitasking staff, and contractual field workers, have been on strike since September 29, demanding regularisation of services, equal pay for equal work, earned and medical leave, and compensatory jobs for families of deceased employees amid a surge in vector-borne diseases in Delhi.

Led by the Leader of Opposition in the MCD, Ankush Narang, AAP councillors joined the protest, accusing the BJP-ruled MCD of “criminal neglect” of employees and public health. “For the past eight days, 5,200 MTS and contractual field workers of the civic body’s Malaria-Dengue Department have been on strike. They have worked in disease-prone conditions for 25-30 years but are still denied equal pay and medical leave. Their demands are completely justified,” Mr. Narang said.

Surge in vector-borne diseases

According to the MCD data, Delhi has reported 431 malaria, 840 dengue, and 75 chikungunya cases so far this year. In the past week ending October 4 alone, 60 cases of malaria, 81 of dengue, and 14 of chikungunya have been reported – highest cases in a week this year.

He also alleged that essential mosquito-control services, including fogging, spraying, and checking water tanks, have been suspended, even as dengue, malaria, and chikungunya cases surge across Delhi. “The BJP’s so-called four-engine government has completely failed. Dengue and malaria cases are at a five-year high. Yet, no awareness campaigns or hospital preparedness are in place,” he added.

IVP leader Mukesh Goyal urged the Mayor and the MCD Commissioner to resolve the issue urgently. “Fogging and spraying have completely stopped. As a result, vector-borne diseases are rapidly increasing,” he said. Further, criticising AAP for politicising the issue, he said, “AAP leaders, who are joining the protest of striking employees today, did not take any steps for these employees during their rule in MCD.”