Special Correspondent: Arun Sharma, New Delhi

Launching a sharp political broadside against the ruling dispensation in Delhi, Paramanand Sharma, senior leader of the Indian National Congress and former Municipal Corporation candidate, has dismissed the Bharatiya Janata Party’s one-year “report card” as “detached from ground reality.”


Reacting to the Delhi government’s “One Year, Outstanding” claim, Sharma alleged that the truth on the streets tells a different story: “The public is distressed, while the government is busy renaming schemes and investing in advertisements.”
Delhi is currently governed by the Bharatiya Janata Party.


Healthcare ‘Crumbling,’ Hospitals in Poor Shape
Sharma accused the state administration of failing to strengthen public healthcare infrastructure. According to him:
Shortage of hospital beds and essential medicines
Acute staff and doctor vacancies
Long queues and delayed treatment
Limited access to free treatment schemes for the poor


“Earlier, people were troubled under the AAP regime in the name of facilities. Now, under the BJP government, the situation has worsened instead of improving,” he said, referring to the previous government led by the Aam Aadmi Party.


Air Pollution and Yamuna Cleanup Under Fire
Raising environmental concerns, Sharma said Delhi residents continue to suffer from hazardous air quality levels.
He also questioned claims regarding the cleaning of the Yamuna River, alleging financial mismanagement.
“Money is being spent in the name of cleaning the Yamuna, but pollution levels remain unchanged. The foam has not disappeared, nor has contamination reduced,” he charged.


Road Safety and Pothole Deaths
Targeting infrastructure management, Sharma blamed the government for deteriorating road conditions, claiming that fatal accidents caused by potholes have claimed young lives.
“Who is accountable for these deaths? The government must answer,” he demanded.


School Fee Hikes and Middle-Class Strain
The Congress leader further accused the government of failing to regulate private school fee hikes.
“Middle-class families are under financial pressure. Education is increasingly becoming commercialized, and the government has failed to intervene effectively,” Sharma stated.


No Development in Slums
Sharma alleged that development works in slum clusters have stalled:
Inadequate water supply and sewerage systems
Poor sanitation
Lack of basic civic amenities
“Development exists only in advertisements. On the ground, there is little evidence of meaningful progress,” he said.


Employment and Investment Claims Questioned
On employment, Sharma argued that the government’s promises have not translated into tangible outcomes.
“Youth are struggling to find jobs. Startup and investment announcements remain largely on paper,” he asserted.
‘Four-Engine Government’ Remark

In a pointed political remark, Sharma criticized what he described as a “four-engine government” — referring to alignment between the Centre, the Delhi government, and civic bodies — yet claimed there was little visible coordination or improvement.
“When there are no excuses left, why does the public still not see relief?” he asked.


Political Showdown Intensifies
Sharma concluded with a sharp contrast to the ruling party’s slogan:
“The government may claim ‘One Year, Outstanding,’ but the reality is that citizens continue to struggle for basic services — healthcare, education, clean air, and safe roads. The slogan is far removed from the lived experience of Delhi’s people.”


His remarks are likely to intensify political debate in the capital, as competing narratives over governance and delivery take center stage — leaving the final verdict, as always, to the electorate.