Availability and Accountability Are Non-Negotiable: Durgesh Pathak
Former AAP MLA from Delhi Durgesh Pathak (Image Junta Unmuted)
AAP leader Durgesh Pathak speaks to Bhawna Malik on civic decay, political will, and the urgent need for a reset in New Rajinder Nagar.
By BHAWNA MALIK
New Delhi, February 21, 2026 —Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) leader and former MLA of New Rajinder Nagar Durgesh Pathak raised sharp concerns about deteriorating civic conditions in New and Old Rajinder Nagar, accusing the current administration of lacking “availability and accountability.”
“Residents Have No Time-Bound Redressal System”
Asked what concerns him most as both a resident and former MLA, Pathak, said there has been “hardly any progress” on issues such as garbage management, road repairs, park maintenance, and water scarcity.
“Back lanes are beyond recognition. New Rajinder Nagar and Old Rajinder Nagar are turning into a mess — almost like a slum,” he said. “Residents are losing their voices to deaf ears. There is no proper platform or system to register complaints. The councillor and MLA have no fixed hours to meet residents. Availability and accountability are non-negotiable.”
When questioned about the existence of MLA Connect initiatives and RWA WhatsApp groups, Pathak argued that the real issue is the absence of a defined time frame for resolving complaints.
“You remove garbage once, and it’s back the next day. It’s a process, not a one-time task. Bigger issues like broken roads, encroachments, and pedestrian safety require systemic action. During AAP’s tenure, every issue had a time frame, files were regularly updated, and Jan Sabhas were held consistently.”
“Lack of Political Will, Not Manpower”
Responding to claims of manpower shortage, Pathak dismissed the argument. “The councillor has over 150 staff members. The issue is not manpower — it is political will,” he said, adding that during his tenure, long-neglected roads, including those toward Nehru Park, were repaired after nearly two decades.
Old Rajinder Nagar “Turning into Chaos”
Pathak elaborated on his description of Old Rajinder Nagar as resembling a slum. “Visit in the evening — you’ll see encroachments, massive traffic jams, PGs blocking roads, tea stalls and pan shops operating all night. Is that permissible?” he asked. “When I was MLA, I personally met the DCP Central, night patrolling was initiated, and the Gole Chakkar was beautified. Roads were repaired. Now the situation has worsened.”
On the recent visit of PWD Minister Parvesh Verma, Pathak said he would welcome the move if it results in tangible solutions.
“I don’t believe in criticism for its own sake. If residents’ concerns are resolved, it’s welcome. Otherwise, it’s just political propaganda.”
Water Project “Stalled After BJP Came to Power”
Addressing ongoing water scarcity, Pathak said a 24/7 water supply plan was initiated during AAP’s tenure in coordination with the Delhi Jal Board, including replacement of old pipelines in three phases. “Paperwork was complete. Then BJP came to power. Why the project is pending is best known to them. Funds are available for road repairs and pipeline upgrades,” he said.
Pamposh Road and DDA Dispute
On the garbage dumping issue in the back lane of Pamposh Road, Pathak termed it a “controversial DDA land matter.” “We, along with the R Block RWA, requested DDA to convert it into a green belt. The proposal was declined,” he said.
Sealing of Shops and Monitoring Mechanism
Referring to sealed shops in Old Rajinder Nagar and Shankar Road market, Pathak called for a citizen monitoring mechanism.
“The Centre has defined land-use rules, but implementation systems are weak. We sought relief for shopkeepers. Senior Advocate Manu Abhishek Singhvi argued the case, but nothing worked. It is a major loss for traders.”
On Allegations of Ignoring Middle-Class Areas
Rejecting allegations that he focused more on slum clusters than residential colonies, Pathak termed it “BJP propaganda.”
“I was available to everyone and did my best,” he said.
“Wake-Up Call for BJP”
Commenting on AAP’s recent MCD win in Naraina, Pathak said the result reflects voter dissatisfaction. “It’s more a BJP loss than an AAP comeback. Within two years, people are voting them out. It’s a wake-up call.”
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