Political twist in Shakur Basti tale: Rahul to visit demolition site

New Delhi: A day after an anti-encroachment drive by Railways in Delhi's Shakur Basti area left a child dead and thousands homeless in the chilling cold, the issue is likely to stall Parliament today. 

Aam Aadmi Party (AAP), JDU and TMC are all set to corner the ruling NDA in Parliament over the issue. JDU has given adjournment motion notice in Rajya Sabha to bring up Shakur Basti demolition issue. Mamata Banerjee's Trinamool Congress is also all set to rake up the issue in Parliament. TMC MPs will also join AAP MPs in their protest outside Parliament today.

Delhi CM Arvind Kejriwal has sought and appointment with Railway Minister Suresh Prabhu to discuss the issue. 

Meanwhile, amid uproar over demolition of slums and a child`s death, the Railways are defiant and have said that their actions were in accordance with Central and State laws.

"The Chief Minister told us that there has to be provision to resettle the slum dwellers before demolishing slums. He also quoted some laws and regulations concerning this matter. Whatever action we take is in accordance with the laws of the Centre and of states. We will now consult with the ministry and proceed according to their guidance," said General Manager Railways AK Puthia after meeting Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal on Sunday. 

More than 500 slums were demolished in an anti-encroachment drive conducted by the Indian Railways in Shakur Basti on Saturday. 

Slum residents created an uproar after a child was found dead. They alleged that then child had died in the anti-encroachment drive.

Railway sources, however, have denied the allegations, saying that the death of the child occurred in one of the slums around 10 am and had nothing to do with the removal of encroachments.

The residents also insisted that their homes were demolished without any prior warning or notice.