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<ul><li>The Bhartiya Janata Party (BJP) and the Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) are grappling over the less developed constituencies of Delhi ahead of the 2020 Assembly election.</li><li>BJP’s Pradhan Manti Awas Yojana and AAP’s Mukhyamantri Awas Yojana are at odds with each other. </li><li>The beneficiaries of these schemes account of nearly 4 million voters.</li></ul>Elections in India’s national capital are set to take place next month and the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) mantra strategy this time is to rescue the slums. Only it isn’t going as well they hoped. Last November, the central government announced that it was going to <a href="https://www.businessinsider.in/policy/news/government-passes-bill-to-regularise-delhis-1731-unauthorised-colonies/articleshow/72280836.cms">regularise 1,731 unauthorised colonies</a> in the city. Once they’re legal, the BJP has a plan to put up 2 lakh houses under the Pradhan Mantri Awas Yojana (PMAY-Urban). However, their plans were undercut when the Delhi Chief Minister and national convener of the Aam Aadmi Party (AAP), Arvind Kejriwal, launched the Mukhyamantri Awas Yojana (MMAY) for slums or Jhugi Jhopri (JJ) colonies across the city. On the surface, the parties are accusing each other of hampering development. However, it should be noted that the slums in question are home to nearly 40 lakh beneficiaries — known for being a major vote bank of the AAP. 
 
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 Out of Delhi 70 assembly segments, slum-dwellers hold the decisive vote in nearly 28, according to a <a href="https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/city/delhi/bjp-eyes-slum-vote-bank-leaders-told-to-stay-there/articleshow/68472349.cms">senior BJP leader</a>. During the last Delhi Election in 2015, AAP was able to garner 95% of those votes — not to mention winning 67 of the 70 seats. <table style="border-width: initial; border-style: none; width: 468pt; table-layout: fixed;"></colgroup><tbody><tr><td colspan="5" style="border-left:solid #000000 1pt;border-right:solid #000000 1pt;border-bottom:solid #000000 1pt;border-top:solid #000000 1pt;vertical-align:top;padding:5pt 5pt 5pt 5pt;overflow:hidden;overflow-wrap:break-word;">Top 5 slum areas in Delhi and 2015 election results: </td></tr><tr><td style="border-left:solid #000000 1pt;border-right:solid #000000 1pt;border-bottom:solid #000000 1pt;border-top:solid #000000 1pt;vertical-align:top;padding:5pt 5pt 5pt 5pt;overflow:hidden;overflow-wrap:break-word;">Assembly area </td><td style="border-left:solid #000000 1pt;border-right:solid #000000 1pt;border-bottom:solid #000000 1pt;border-top:solid #000000 1pt;vertical-align:top;padding:5pt 5pt 5pt 5pt;overflow:hidden;overflow-wrap:break-word;">No of slums </td><td style="border-left:solid #000000 1pt;border-right:solid #000000 1pt;border-bottom:solid #000000 1pt;border-top:solid #000000 1pt;vertical-align:top;padding:5pt 5pt 5pt 5pt;overflow:hidden;overflow-wrap:break-word;">Total voters </td><td style="border-left:solid #000000 1pt;border-right:solid #000000 1pt;border-bottom:solid #000000 1pt;border-top:solid #000000 1pt;vertical-align:top;padding:5pt 5pt 5pt 5pt;overflow:hidden;overflow-wrap:break-word;">Winner (2015) </td><td style="border-left:solid #000000 1pt;border-right:solid #000000 1pt;border-bottom:solid #000000 1pt;border-top:solid #000000 1pt;vertical-align:top;padding:5pt 5pt 5pt 5pt;overflow:hidden;overflow-wrap:break-word;">Winning Party (2015) </td></tr><tr><td style="border-left:solid #000000 1pt;border-right:solid #000000 1pt;border-bottom:solid #000000 1pt;border-top:solid #000000 1pt;vertical-align:top;padding:5pt 5pt 5pt 5pt;overflow:hidden;overflow-wrap:break-word;">Moti Nagar </td><td style="border-left:solid #000000 1pt;border-right:solid #000000 1pt;border-bottom:solid #000000 1pt;border-top:solid #000000 1pt;vertical-align:top;padding:5pt 5pt 5pt 5pt;overflow:hidden;overflow-wrap:break-word;">25,021 </td><td style="border-left:solid #000000 1pt;border-right:solid #000000 1pt;border-bottom:solid #000000 1pt;border-top:solid #000000 1pt;vertical-align:top;padding:5pt 5pt 5pt 5pt;overflow:hidden;overflow-wrap:break-word;">113,378 </td><td style="border-left:solid #000000 1pt;border-right:solid #000000 1pt;border-bottom:solid #000000 1pt;border-top:solid #000000 1pt;vertical-align:top;padding:5pt 5pt 5pt 5pt;overflow:hidden;overflow-wrap:break-word;">Shiv Charan Goel </td><td style="border-left:solid #000000 1pt;border-right:solid #000000 1pt;border-bottom:solid #000000 1pt;border-top:solid #000000 1pt;vertical-align:top;padding:5pt 5pt 5pt 5pt;overflow:hidden;overflow-wrap:break-word;">AAP </td></tr><tr><td style="border-left:solid #000000 1pt;border-right:solid #000000 1pt;border-bottom:solid #000000 1pt;border-top:solid #000000 1pt;vertical-align:top;padding:5pt 5pt 5pt 5pt;overflow:hidden;overflow-wrap:break-word;">Tughlakabad </td><td style="border-left:solid #000000 1pt;border-right:solid #000000 1pt;border-bottom:solid #000000 1pt;border-top:solid #000000 1pt;vertical-align:top;padding:5pt 5pt 5pt 5pt;overflow:hidden;overflow-wrap:break-word;">23,495 </td><td style="border-left:solid #000000 1pt;border-right:solid #000000 1pt;border-bottom:solid #000000 1pt;border-top:solid #000000 1pt;vertical-align:top;padding:5pt 5pt 5pt 5pt;overflow:hidden;overflow-wrap:break-word;">103,087 </td><td style="border-left:solid #000000 1pt;border-right:solid #000000 1pt;border-bottom:solid #000000 1pt;border-top:solid #000000 1pt;vertical-align:top;padding:5pt 5pt 5pt 5pt;overflow:hidden;overflow-wrap:break-word;">Sahi Ram </td><td style="border-left:solid #000000 1pt;border-right:solid #000000 1pt;border-bottom:solid #000000 1pt;border-top:solid #000000 1pt;vertical-align:top;padding:5pt 5pt 5pt 5pt;overflow:hidden;overflow-wrap:break-word;">AAP </td></tr><tr><td style="border-left:solid #000000 1pt;border-right:solid #000000 1pt;border-bottom:solid #000000 1pt;border-top:solid #000000 1pt;vertical-align:top;padding:5pt 5pt 5pt 5pt;overflow:hidden;overflow-wrap:break-word;">Wazirpur </td><td style="border-left:solid #000000 1pt;border-right:solid #000000 1pt;border-bottom:solid #000000 1pt;border-top:solid #000000 1pt;vertical-align:top;padding:5pt 5pt 5pt 5pt;overflow:hidden;overflow-wrap:break-word;">13,736 </td><td style="border-left:solid #000000 1pt;border-right:solid #000000 1pt;border-bottom:solid #000000 1pt;border-top:solid #000000 1pt;vertical-align:top;padding:5pt 5pt 5pt 5pt;overflow:hidden;overflow-wrap:break-word;">111,591 </td><td style="border-left:solid #000000 1pt;border-right:solid #000000 1pt;border-bottom:solid #000000 1pt;border-top:solid #000000 1pt;vertical-align:top;padding:5pt 5pt 5pt 5pt;overflow:hidden;overflow-wrap:break-word;">Rajesh Gupta </td><td style="border-left:solid #000000 1pt;border-right:solid #000000 1pt;border-bottom:solid #000000 1pt;border-top:solid #000000 1pt;vertical-align:top;padding:5pt 5pt 5pt 5pt;overflow:hidden;overflow-wrap:break-word;">AAP </td></tr><tr><td style="border-left:solid #000000 1pt;border-right:solid #000000 1pt;border-bottom:solid #000000 1pt;border-top:solid #000000 1pt;vertical-align:top;padding:5pt 5pt 5pt 5pt;overflow:hidden;overflow-wrap:break-word;">Model Town </td><td style="border-left:solid #000000 1pt;border-right:solid #000000 1pt;border-bottom:solid #000000 1pt;border-top:solid #000000 1pt;vertical-align:top;padding:5pt 5pt 5pt 5pt;overflow:hidden;overflow-wrap:break-word;">11,966 </td><td style="border-left:solid #000000 1pt;border-right:solid #000000 1pt;border-bottom:solid #000000 1pt;border-top:solid #000000 1pt;vertical-align:top;padding:5pt 5pt 5pt 5pt;overflow:hidden;overflow-wrap:break-word;">104,312 </td><td style="border-left:solid #000000 1pt;border-right:solid #000000 1pt;border-bottom:solid #000000 1pt;border-top:solid #000000 1pt;vertical-align:top;padding:5pt 5pt 5pt 5pt;overflow:hidden;overflow-wrap:break-word;">Akhilesh Pati Tripathi </td><td style="border-left:solid #000000 1pt;border-right:solid #000000 1pt;border-bottom:solid #000000 1pt;border-top:solid #000000 1pt;vertical-align:top;padding:5pt 5pt 5pt 5pt;overflow:hidden;overflow-wrap:break-word;">AAP </td></tr><tr><td style="border-left:solid #000000 1pt;border-right:solid #000000 1pt;border-bottom:solid #000000 1pt;border-top:solid #000000 1pt;vertical-align:top;padding:5pt 5pt 5pt 5pt;overflow:hidden;overflow-wrap:break-word;">RK Puram </td><td style="border-left:solid #000000 1pt;border-right:solid #000000 1pt;border-bottom:solid #000000 1pt;border-top:solid #000000 1pt;vertical-align:top;padding:5pt 5pt 5pt 5pt;overflow:hidden;overflow-wrap:break-word;">10,894 </td><td style="border-left:solid #000000 1pt;border-right:solid #000000 1pt;border-bottom:solid #000000 1pt;border-top:solid #000000 1pt;vertical-align:top;padding:5pt 5pt 5pt 5pt;overflow:hidden;overflow-wrap:break-word;">96,298 </td><td style="border-left:solid #000000 1pt;border-right:solid #000000 1pt;border-bottom:solid #000000 1pt;border-top:solid #000000 1pt;vertical-align:top;padding:5pt 5pt 5pt 5pt;overflow:hidden;overflow-wrap:break-word;">Parmila Tokas </td><td style="border-left:solid #000000 1pt;border-right:solid #000000 1pt;border-bottom:solid #000000 1pt;border-top:solid #000000 1pt;vertical-align:top;padding:5pt 5pt 5pt 5pt;overflow:hidden;overflow-wrap:break-word;">AAP </td></tr></tbody></table> Who’s been putting in the time? BJP’s Lok Sabha MP, Manoj Tiwari, made headlines back in 2017 for spending a <a href="https://www.business-standard.com/article/pti-stories/tiwari-spends-night-with-slum-dwellers-in-delhi-117010100617_1.html">night in one of Delhi’s oldest slums</a> as a part of his outreach mission. A trend he <a href="https://www.business-standard.com/article/pti-stories/tiwari-spends-night-with-slum-dwellers-in-delhi-117010100617_1.html">continued</a> in 2018 and <a href="https://www.hindustantimes.com/delhi-news/manoj-tiwari-begins-slum-outreach/story-hILNSvNP8b5NuWaw2td01K.html">2019</a>. However, a report by <a href="https://www.telegraphindia.com/india/delhi-s-slum-dwellers-feel-aap-is-the-new-congress/cid/1690439">the Telegraph</a> indicates that some slum dwellers feel that AAP is the new Congress — the former favourite before AAP existed. “This was a Congress stronghold, no one else used to campaign here. We had high expectations from (Prime Minister Narendra) Modi but the only changes that have improved our lives have come because of Kejriwal. The AAP is the new Congress here,” a slum dweller told <a href="https://www.telegraphindia.com/author/pheroze-l-vincent/95">Pheroze L. Vincent</a>. As of now, Kejriwal’s certificates are just paper and BJP’s promise is just a ‘promise’. The construction of new homes and rehash of these colonies is yet to appear. See also: <a href="https://www.businessinsider.in/politics/elections/news/delhi-election-2020-heres-how-you-can-apply-for-electoral-bonds-to-fund-a-political-party/articleshow/73250061.cms">Delhi Election 2020: Here’s how you can apply for Electoral bonds to fund a political party</a> <a href="https://www.businessinsider.in/politics/elections/news/delhi-election-2020-gopal-rai-a-minister-with-multiple-portfolios-who-like-to-flash-aaps-report-card-as-he-seeks-votes/articleshow/73242360.cms">Delhi election 2020: Gopal Rai, a minister with multiple portfolios who likes to flash AAP’s ‘report card’ as he seeks votes</a> <a href="https://www.businessinsider.in/politics/elections/news/delhi-2020-election-sadar-bazaar-a-constituency-which-is-a-ruling-party-bastion-is-all-set-for-a-triangular-contest/articleshow/73247431.cms">Delhi Election 2020: Sadar Bazaar, a constituency which is a ruling party bastion, is all set for a triangular contest</a>

Both BJP and AAP want votes from Delhi's 4 million slum dwellers for schemes that haven't taken off yet

New Delhi, Apr 7 () Vedanta Ltd on Tuesday said it will distribute around three lakh meals to labourers, daily wage earners and slum dwellers in the national capital as part of efforts to support communities during the current coronavirus lockdown. "Vedanta Ltd...has been distributing 10,000 meals per day to daily wage earners, slum dwellers and labourers since April 1. Around 70,000 meals have been distributed till date to families in Old Delhi, Laxmi Bai Nagar, Ram Nagar, Sarojini Nagar and Gole Market. Under this initiative, around 3 lakh meals will be distributed around Delhi by the end of the month," leading metal and mining firm said in a statement. The families comprising of daily wage earners, slum-dwellers and labourers have been adversely impacted due to the current lockdown implemented to combat the deadly coronavirus. This initiative of Vedanta is in partnership with the district administration, in which the meals are being distributed to affected areas as per the direction from the district administration. "The daily wage earners are our lifeline in our everyday life. Our Chairman Anil Agarwal has been in the forefront of extending all support to feed daily wage workers with our 'Meals for All' initiative. We have partnered AkshayaPatra who are extending this support to feed the needy inDelhi," said Ritu Jhingon, CEO of Nand Ghar project, Vedanta Ltd. For this initiative, Vedanta has collaborated with AkshayaPatra Foundation, a non-profit organisation that runs the mid-day meal scheme in government and government-aided schools across India. Nand Ghar is committed to the Prime Minister's national vision of eradicating child malnutrition, providing education, healthcare and empowering women with skill development. "We are immensely grateful to Vedanta for their support in these crucial times. Their generous contribution will enable us to serve freshly cooked meals to thousands of people from vulnerable communities, affected by the nation-wide lockdown. We are thankful to Chairman Anil Agarwal and Vedanta Group for providing us with the opportunity to serve the marginal society in NCR. "Their timely involvement gives us the confidence to commit to the service of the people of our country," AkshayaPatra Foundation Chief Marketing Officer Sundeep Talwar said. Vedanta has also set up a dedicated fund across the country to combat the widespread outbreak of deadly COVID-19. The fund will help in supporting the livelihood and healthcare of the daily wage workers, employees and contract workers and will provide timely help to communities in and around various plant locations of the company. Moreover, Vedanta and its subsidiaries are working closely with communities across their locations on multiple development initiatives to combat the spread of the virus. All mobile health vans in operational areas of Vedanta Ltd will help in preventive healthcare extended to the local communities. SID MKJ

Covid-19: Vedanta to distribute around 3 lakh meals to labourers, slum dwellers in Delhi

Fourty-one-year-old <keyword id="10262" type="PERSON" weightage="100" keywordseo="Emily">Emily</keyword>, a health co-ordinator from Montana befriended 23-year-old <keyword id="3318890" type="UNKNOWN" weightage="100" keywordseo="Devesh-Chavda">Devesh Chavda</keyword>, who lives in an <keyword id="5065" type="COMPANY" weightage="100" keywordseo="Ahmedabad">Ahmedabad</keyword> slum on <a href="http://www.businessinsider.in/searchresult.cms?query=facebook&amp;sortorder=effectivedate">Facebook</a>. 
 
Sparks flew and both of them fell in love, despite the language barrier. 
 
Speaking to the Sun about how they would converse with each other, Hitesh said, “Neither of us knew each other’s language so I would copy and paste her messages using <a href="http://www.businessinsider.in/searchresult.cms?query=google&amp;sortorder=effectivedate">Google </a>Hindi translation to understand what she was trying to say. 
 
"I would then compose my own message in Hindi, translate into English and then send it to her.” 
 
Eventually, they started keeping in touch via Google’s video chat and after around twelve months of online romance, Emily decided it was time to meet Hitesh in person. 
 
Last week, she flew down to <a href="http://www.businessinsider.in/searchresult.cms?query=ahmedabad&amp;sortorder=effectivedate">Ahmedabad</a>, and ended up marrying Hitesh in a Hindu ceremony on the very day they met in person for the first time. 
 
According to Hitesh, Emily and him spoke either in broken English or through gestures when they met in person. He added that he thought it was high time they got out of the phase of indecisiveness and took the plunge as they were dating for almost a year. 
 
And, thus what was supposed to be their first date turned out to be the couple’s Wedding day. 
 
Though his parents were unhappy about the cross-cultural and cross-continental relationship at first, Hitesh somehow managed to convince his parents to support them. 
 
The couple admit that they both fell in love with each other’s simplicity and innocence. Emily is so in love with Hitesh that she even decided to learn Indian cooking. 
 
As of the moment, the couple is planning to visit the U.S in a month or so to celebrate their honeymoon. But, once that is done, Emily claimed that she is going to settle down in India with her unemployed husband and her in-laws in that very Ahmebadad slum. 
 
Well, we’re at a loss for words. But we do wish the very best for these two lovebirds! 
 
Image credit: Sun.co.uk

Meet the 41-year-old American woman who married a
23-year-old Ahmedabad slum-dweller

<keyword id="6373840" type="ORGANIZATION" weightage="100" keywordseo="UPSC">UPSC</keyword> exam is undoubtedly one of the toughest exam to crack, and even candidates with no worried in the world but of studies find it hard to pass the exam in one go. However, this year, 28-year-old <keyword id="4606817" type="UNKNOWN" weightage="100" keywordseo="ummul-kher">Ummul Kher</keyword> has managed to clear the exam in one shot, bravely crossing all the possible hurdles that she could have faced in her journey.Born with fragile bone disorder, Ummul was just five when her family moved to Delhi from Marwar, Rajasthan, where she lived with her parents in a slum near Nizamuddin. Her father, a street vendor, sold clothes in nearby areas, and Ummul’s formative years were spent in struggle. Being physically unfit, she studied in Pt Deendayal Upadhyaya Institute for The Physically Handicapped till Class V. The family had to shift to Trilokpuri in 2001, after their shanties were demolished by the Delhi Development Authority. Once there, to make ends meet and for her financially deprived family, the bright Ummul started giving tuitions to slum children. She was just 11 then.Her inclination towards academics was not well supported by her parents who did not believe in educating girls beyond Class VIII. After failing to convince them for letting her study further, she took the bold decision and moved out of her house. In her quest for knowledge, she was supported by a trust that funded her education, because of which she got admission in Gargi College, Delhi. However, her struggling days were far from over. In 2012, she met with an accident that left her with 16 fractures and bound to a wheelchair for around a year, requiring eight surgeries.Undeterred, she cracked the Junior Research Fellowship for her Masters in International Studies in <keyword id="58265" type="ORGANIZATION" weightage="100" keywordseo="Jawaharlal-Nehru-University">Jawaharlal Nehru University</keyword>, after which she was paid Rs 25,000 per month. After clearing JRF-NET, she started her M Phil from <keyword id="6356383" type="ORGANIZATION" weightage="100" keywordseo="JNU">JNU</keyword>, and is currently pursuing her Ph.D from there. Having a strong will to make a name for herself, Ummur secured 420th rank in the UPSC exam, and is now determined that she would become an IAS officer and serve the people of her country. (Image source IndiaTimes)

From a slum dweller to an aspiring IAS, here’s the inspiring story of Ummul Kher

<ul><li>On Sunday, Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal launched the Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) election manifesto called 'Kejriwal ki Guarantee'.</li><li>The manifesto includes regularising Delhi's unauthorised colonies with a promise to provide facilities like drinking water and sanitation.</li><li>Over the past month, the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) has been drumming to its own tune putting up hoardings of Prime Minister Narendra Modi outside unauthorised colonies asking them to sign up for the Pradhan Manti Awas Yojana which promises permanent housing.</li></ul> Delhi’s chief minister Arvind Kejriwal released the election manifesto of the Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) — named after himself — ‘Kejriwal ki Guarantee’ on Sunday. For the 2020 election, Kejriwal’s ‘<a href="https://www.businessinsider.in/politics/elections/news/aap-manifesto-kejriwal-ka-guarantee-card-released-know-all-points/articleshow/73373498.cms?src=hp_latest">guarantee card</a>’ promises to deliver on 10 points of action, which include around-the-clock electricity and water, ‘world-class’ education system, better more public transportation and making Delhi litter-free. It also has a specific impetus on unauthorised colonies or jhuggi jhopri (JJ) colonies. He Kejriwal promises facilities like drinking water, sanitation, roads and infrastructure, mohalla clinics and CCTV cameras - once they are legalised. His promise to citizens living in authorised colonies is pitched against the Bharatiya Janata Party’s (BJP) recent bill that plans to regularise over 1,700 slums and build over 2 lakh homes under the Pradhan Mantri Awaas Yojana (PMAY). In addition, BJP candidate Manoj Tiwari has also been making the headlines for ‘<a href="https://economictimes.indiatimes.com/news/elections/assembly-elections/delhi/we-will-offer-5-times-more-subsidy-than-aap-manoj-tiwari/articleshow/73361360.cms">silently</a>’ working towards helping people in these communities. Out of Delhi’s 70 assembly segments, slum-dwellers hold the decisive vote in nearly 28, according to a <a href="https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/city/delhi/bjp-eyes-slum-vote-bank-leaders-told-to-stay-there/articleshow/68472349.cms">senior BJP leader</a>. During the last Delhi Election in 2015, AAP was able to garner 95% of those votes — not to mention winning 67 of the 70 seats. Hoardings all over Delhi Many claims that the bill to regularise Delhi’s unauthorised colonies was passed in Parliament suspiciously close to the election. Since December, the central government has been pushing hard to get people to sign up for homes under PMAY. 
 
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 According to a report by PTI, the BJP’s Delhi chapter has started putting up large hoardings of Prime Minister Narendra Modi across colonies to win them over. Each hoarding has a larger-than-life picture of Modi with the slogan, “Jahan jhuggi wahin makan,” which roughly translates to, “a house in place of a hut.” The scheme promises a two-bedroom house with water, electricity and waste management connections. "We have a target to put up large hoardings of the PMAY in 700 JJ clusters in the city, where around 20 lakh people live," Delhi BJP JJ Cluster Cell president Umesh Verma told PTI. Ownership certificates Countering the Bill passed by the central government, Kejriwal launched the Mukhyamantrai Awas Yojan (MMAY). On the day of the launch, he distributed 65,000 ownership certificates to families currently living in JJ colonies promising pucca houses. However, according to the Union Ministry, Kejriwal has been holding back on funds. Union Minister <a href="https://www.dailypioneer.com/2019/india/centre-plans-2l-houses-under-pmay-u-.html">Hardeep Puri</a> claims that AAP received part payment of ₹5.85 lakh in September 2018 to undertake a survey of 23 priority JJ clusters but did not complete the task. Why BJP wants to win the 2020 Delhi election The Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) has been out of power in Delhi for over two decades. Since 1998, Delhi has been a Congress stronghold. In 2012, the Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) rose to power after Anna Hazare’s India Against Corruption (IAC) movement. Despite the AAP’s historic win in 2015 — winning 67 of Delhi’s 70 Assembly seats — they lost in every single constituency during the Lok Sabha election last year to the BJP. In order for the BJP to win the 2020 Delhi election, AAP’s would have to lose in nearly the half the constituencies where it’s currently in power. <a href="https://www.indiatoday.in/elections/delhi-assembly-polls-2020/story/delhi-assembly-election-what-is-at-stake-for-arvind-kerjiwal-pm-modi-and-rahul-gandhi-1634678-2020-01-07?utm_source=recengine&amp;utm_medium=web&amp;referral=yes&amp;utm_content=footerstrip-1">Political pundits</a> believe this election will be AAP’s report card on their performance in Delhi over the last five years while BJP’s win will largely rest on Modi’s popularity. BJP is using its star power with Manoj Tiwari and has <a href="https://www.businessinsider.in/politics/elections/news/delhi-election-2020-aaps-raghav-chadha-will-have-to-win-the-poorvanchali-vote-in-rajinder-nagar/articleshow/73274750.cms">plans to feature</a> more Bhojpuri stars, union ministers and MPs from Poorvanchal — home to over 40% Delhi migrants — on its ballot to reign in the vote bank that includes over 4 million voters. (With inputs from PTI) See also: <a href="https://www.businessinsider.in/politics/elections/news/both-bjp-and-aap-want-votes-from-delhis-4-million-slum-dwellers-for-schemes-that-havent-taken-off-yet/articleshow/73251403.cms">Both BJP and AAP want votes from Delhi's 4 million slum dwellers for schemes that haven't taken off yet</a> <a href="https://www.businessinsider.in/politics/elections/news/delhi-election-2020-bjps-manoj-tiwari-is-ready-for-the-spotlight/articleshow/73273105.cms">Delhi Election 2020: Lights, camera, and action – Manoj Tiwari is ready for the spotlight</a> <a href="https://www.businessinsider.in/politics/elections/news/aap-manifesto-kejriwal-ka-guarantee-card-released-know-all-points/articleshow/73373498.cms">Aam Aadmi Party Manifesto: "Kejriwal ki Guarantee" short manifesto released, full version to be out in 10 days</a>

Arvind Kejriwal joins the battle for slum votes as he pegs his 'guarantee' against Modi's life-size persona

Cleaning up the ‘System’ might be <keyword id="143" type="CITY" weightage="100" keywordseo="Bollywood">Bollywood</keyword>’s latest passion, but it reverts to stereotypes all too soon and the art of conveying a pertinent message becomes an imperfect endeavour. The saga started with <a href="http://www.businessinsider.in/Box-Office-Queen-OutshinesGulaab-Gang-Total-Siyapaa-Tanks/articleshow/31848837.cms">Gulaab Gang</a>, continued through <a href="http://www.businessinsider.in/Box-Office-Youngistaan-Falls-FlatDishkiyaoon-O-Teri-Are-Clear-Flops/articleshow/33127458.cms">Youngistaan</a> and climaxed with superstar <keyword id="6357912" type="PERSON" weightage="100" keywordseo="amitabh-bachchan">Amitabh Bachchan</keyword> returning with the much-hyped <keyword id="828468" type="UNKNOWN" weightage="100" keywordseo="Supernatural">supernatural</keyword> comedy sequel, <keyword id="1906261" type="UNKNOWN" weightage="100" keywordseo="Bhoothnath-Returns">Bhoothnath Returns</keyword>. This time, we have an adorable 70-plus ghost trying to set things right for the <keyword id="6361831" type="COMPANY" weightage="100" keywordseo="dharavi">Dharavi</keyword> <keyword id="56930" type="UNKNOWN" weightage="100" keywordseo="slum-dwellers">slum dwellers</keyword> and rooting out corruption in the process. But unlike the 2008 prequel, <keyword id="14780" type="UNKNOWN" weightage="100" keywordseo="bhoothnath">Bhoothnath</keyword>, finger-snapping alone doesn’t do the trick. Instead, <keyword id="2217" type="ENTERTAINMENT" weightage="100" keywordseo="Big-B">Big B</keyword> (<keyword id="291868" type="PERSON" weightage="100" keywordseo="Kailash-Nath">Kailash Nath</keyword> aka Bhoothnath in the movie series) gets ready to contest polls, preaches people to go out &amp; vote, and does loads of good work in-between, amply helped by the street-smart brat <keyword id="2199671" type="UNKNOWN" weightage="100" keywordseo="Akhrot">Akhrot</keyword> (<keyword id="1068845" type="UNKNOWN" weightage="100" keywordseo="Parth-Bhalerao">Parth Bhalerao</keyword>). Undoubtedly a great gesture from a spirit who cares, but it carries too much baggage than is good for the <keyword id="678332" type="PERSON" weightage="80" keywordseo="Subtle">subtle</keyword> art of influencing, impacting and entertaining – all at the same time. 
 But that does not mean the fantasy-comedy won’t become a Bollywood hit. In spite of its many faults, Big B spins his magic on-screen and the movie has managed to shake off a slow start. Directed and co-written by <keyword id="368516" type="PERSON" weightage="100" keywordseo="Nitesh-Tiwari">Nitesh Tiwari</keyword> of <keyword id="248958" type="ORGANIZATION" weightage="80" keywordseo="Chillar-Party">Chillar Party</keyword> fame, Bhoothnath Returns hit around 1,300 theatres at home but had a dull opening on April 11. It netted around Rs 4.07 crore on the debut day and witnessed a low occupancy rate of 25-30%. But <keyword id="2199678" type="UNKNOWN" weightage="100" keywordseo="Weekend-business">weekend business</keyword> literally touched the sky and the movie netted a little over Rs 18 crore at the <keyword id="827271" type="UNKNOWN" weightage="100" keywordseo="Domestic-Box-Office">domestic box office</keyword> after the first three days. 
 
“BhoothnathReturns Fri 4.07 cr, Sat 5.85 cr, Sun 8.10 cr. Total: 18.02 cr nett. India biz… Excellent growth over the weekend,” tweeted film critic and trade analyst Taran Adarsh. 
 
But the numbers dwindled on the crucial Day 4 and Day 5 (April 14 and 15). Although official figures are not available yet, the movie totalled a little more than Rs 7 crore on these two days, according to <keyword id="25892" type="ORGANIZATION" weightage="100" keywordseo="box-office">Box Office</keyword> Collection, thus reaching Rs 25 crore (approx) at home. Interestingly, the budget of this movie has not been disclosed yet, but some industry insiders put it at around Rs 30 crore. However, the initial numbers are definitely much better than Kangna Ranaut-starrer <a href="http://www.businessinsider.in/Box-Office-Queen-OutshinesGulaab-Gang-Total-Siyapaa-Tanks/articleshow/31848837.cms">Queen</a> (Rs 12 crore in first 4 days). Incidentally, <keyword id="6377522" type="POSITION" weightage="80" keywordseo="queen">Queen</keyword> has already netted more than Rs 60 crore at home, as per industry reports. We can’t really predict whether this Big B movie can get into that Big League or enter the Rs 100 crore club, but going by the current trend, it may overtake Bhoothnath’s earnings that managed to gross around Rs 68 crore worldwide. 
 And that brings us back to the basics. With the <keyword id="6355187" type="ORGANIZATION" weightage="80" keywordseo="Lok-Sabha">Lok Sabha</keyword> polls in full swing, Bhoothnath Returns was expected to do much better at the domestic box office, especially as it aims to blend some meaningful messages with fantasy to present a <keyword id="2199680" type="UNKNOWN" weightage="100" keywordseo="Socio-political-satire">socio-political satire</keyword>, loaded with <keyword id="1802565" type="UNKNOWN" weightage="100" keywordseo="tongue-in-cheek-humour">tongue-in-cheek humour</keyword> and sharp, <keyword id="2199682" type="UNKNOWN" weightage="100" keywordseo="Witty-one-liners">witty one-liners</keyword>. The movie follows that script, but only up to a point, and then loses its pace and crispiness as is the wont of traditional Bollywood flicks. 
 The first half of the movie is quite entertaining, though. Bhoothnath returns from the <keyword id="2199683" type="UNKNOWN" weightage="100" keywordseo="Bhoot-World">Bhoot World</keyword> as he is under pressure to prove his mettle as a ghost and must be able to scare a kid (his previous caper with Banku clearly hadn’t won the approval of fellow-ghosts). But this time, he has been won over by the slum kid Akhrot (Parth) and soon has a face-off with the <keyword id="2199670" type="POSITION" weightage="100" keywordseo="evil-politician">evil politician</keyword> <keyword id="602825" type="PERSON" weightage="100" keywordseo="Bhau">Bhau</keyword> (Boman Irani). The rest of the story gets painfully predictable and then downright preachy, dragging on eternally before reaching an over-the-top climax. As most critics have pointed out, the second half of this flick could have easily passed muster as an infotainment video on ‘<keyword id="2199685" type="UNKNOWN" weightage="100" keywordseo="Why-you-should-vote">why you should vote</keyword>’ and ‘<keyword id="924262" type="UNKNOWN" weightage="100" keywordseo="Vote-for-change">vote for change</keyword>.’ 
 
As the story gets stretched and execution gets lacklustre, Bhoothnath Returns loses its appeal of fantasy (something that never happens in a <keyword id="1837502" type="UNKNOWN" weightage="100" keywordseo="harry-potter-movie">Harry Potter movie</keyword> in spite of its markedly pronounced good-versus-evil theme), its appeal for kids (hardly a <keyword id="2199690" type="UNKNOWN" weightage="100" keywordseo="Fun-movie">fun movie</keyword>, compared to the earlier one) and its appeal for thinking adults (<keyword id="6354633" type="PERSON" weightage="100" keywordseo="Rajkumar-Hirani">Rajkumar Hirani</keyword>’s Munna Bhai series will impact you better). 
 
But Bhoothnath Returns has its special charms as well. The <keyword id="2199696" type="UNKNOWN" weightage="100" keywordseo="Bachchan-magic">Bachchan magic</keyword> and his easy frolic with kids are bound to win many hearts. But the star of the show is the <keyword id="5334" type="UNKNOWN" weightage="100" keywordseo="Bollywood-debutant">Bollywood debutant</keyword> Parth Bhalerao who is absolutely brilliant. Then there are the cameos – <keyword id="1671" type="PERSON" weightage="100" keywordseo="Shah-Rukh-Khan">Shah Rukh Khan</keyword>, <keyword id="6357861" type="PERSON" weightage="100" keywordseo="ranbir-kapoor">Ranbir Kapoor</keyword> and <keyword id="7929" type="PERSON" weightage="100" keywordseo="Anurag-Kashyap">Anurag Kashyap</keyword> all fall in line to support the message Bhoothnath is trying to convey. All in all, Bhoothnath Returns is a movie worth watching in spite of its none-too-impressive initial performance and execution flaws. Business may pick up further as the (release) timing has been perfect and Bachchan fans are known to form that <keyword id="828348" type="UNKNOWN" weightage="80" keywordseo="critical-mass">critical mass</keyword> of movie-goers that can always spell massive success, even if it is a bit late in the day.

Box Office: Bhoothnath
Returns In Style In Spite Of Chinks In Armour And A Tepid Start

The <keyword id="6360789" type="ORGANIZATION" weightage="20" keywordseo="Modi-Government">Modi government</keyword>’s plan to develop 100 <keyword id="6377036" type="UNKNOWN" weightage="20" keywordseo="smart-cities">smart cities</keyword> has stirred a debate on its strategy or lack of it on the fate of the existing cities in the country. 
 
Over the years, lack of infrastructure and unplanned growth turned Indian cities into a real mess. While urbanisation has enhanced economic, social and political progress, it has resulted in socio-economic mismatch among people. Also, rapid growth of urban population has put enormous pressure on public utilities like housing, sanitation, transport, water and electricity besides pushing unemployment among rural immigrants. Urbanisation deserves immediate attention as according to reports by 2030, more than 50 % of India’s population is expected to live in urban areas. 
 
Urban sprawl, the expansion of the cities in terms of population and geographical area (which is rapidly taking over the precious agricultural land) has been one of the key problems which authorities failed to tackle. Continuous immigration from rural areas has consistently added to the size of the cities. This has led to a situation where economic base of most cities is incapable of dealing with the problems created by the huge growth of urban population. Metro cities are clear examples urban sprawl due to large scale migration of people from the different states, seeking employment opportunities. 
 
Unplanned growth has also resulted in overcrowding—a situation where too many people live in too little space. For instance, Mumbai has one-sixth of an acre open space per thousand people though four acre is considered normal. This kind of overcrowding leads to heavy pressure on infrastructural facilities. 
 
Overcrowding leads to shortage of houses in urban areas. Housing is a bigger issue in those cities where there is large influx of immigrants. According to a recent study, around 40% of all married couples in India do not have an independent room for themselves. Around 35% of families in urban areas live in one-room houses. About one third of urban Indian families have houses without a proper kitchen, bathroom and a toilet—and there is no supply of water or power in some cases. 
 
Overcrowded cities are a breeding ground for unemployment. According to an estimate, about 50% of all urban unemployed who are educated are concentrated in Delhi, Mumbai, Kolkata and Chennai. Though those living in cities earn more than those in the villages, their incomes are low considering the high cost of living in urban pockets. Unless government streamlines the large-scale migration to cities, unemployment in cities will continue to rise. 
 Another consequence of unplanned growth of urban areas is the spread of <keyword id="6367743" type="UNKNOWN" weightage="20" keywordseo="slums">slums</keyword>. In the recent years, industrialisation has led to rapid urbanisation which has resulted in undeterred growth of slums. 
 
A slew of reasons such as the large influx of rural migrants to the cities, the shortage of land for housing development and high prices of land contribute to the growth of slums. No wonder, this has been exerting huge pressure on civic amenities and infrastructure. 
Inadequate transportation is another challenge faced by people living in cities. As cities grow, more people are required to travel to work or shop, leading to clogged roads and unending traffic jams. 
 
Scarcity of drinking water is perhaps the biggest challenge thrown up by haphazard development of cities in India. In fact, no city in India gets sufficient water to meet the needs of city dwellers. In many cities, people get water from the municipal sources for less than half an hour every alternative day. In dry summer season, taps remain dry for days together. 
 
This in addition to growing problems of lack of proper sewerage management, trash disposal and pollution besides surging crime rates in cities. It is high time the government figured out whether developing select smart cities or solving the litany of problems faced by people living in existing cities should be its priority. 
 
Image: thinkstock

Smart Cities Are Good Idea, But What About Existing Ones?

<ul><li>In 2009, Jai Ho from <keyword id="32892" type="General" weightage="80" keywordseo="slumdog-millionaire" source="Orion">Slumdog Millionaire</keyword> bagged an <keyword id="21112" type="General" weightage="80" keywordseo="oscar" source="Orion">Oscar</keyword> and won over the foreign media. </li><li>Directed by Danny Boyle but set in India and starring Indian and Indian-American actors — Slumdog Millionaire won eight of its ten Oscar nominations. </li><li>It also won lyricist Gulzar, composer A R Rahman and sound designer Resul Pookutty their first Oscars.</li></ul>India scripted history at the Oscars today with its two winners from the country–<keyword id="12494707" type="General" weightage="100" keywordseo="naatu-naatu" source="Orion">Naatu Naatu</keyword> for Best Song and The Elephant Whisperers for Best Short Documentary. They are the first Indian productions to bag the award. As per the Academy’s tradition for Best Song nominees, singers Rahul Sipligunj and Kaala Bhairava sang the song live on-stage, accompanied by a troupe of 20 dancers — receiving a standing ovation from the crowd. Actor Deepika Padukone who presented the song at the ceremony, said “it’s a total banger”. Naatu Naatu, the foot-thumping track from the period drama RRR, has been creating waves globally for a while now. Composed by M M Keeravani, the song also won a Golden Globe — again, the first for an Indian production. But long before the world went Naatu Naatu, it screamed Jai Ho – yet another foot-tapping number from Oscar winner Slumdog Millionaire (2008). <cmsannotation type="cmsannotation" annotationid="Slumdog Millionaire: when a foreign director captured India" comment="subhead2" text="Slumdog Millionaire: when a foreign director captured India">Slumdog Millionaire: when a foreign director captured India</cmsannotation> Directed by Danny Boyle, Slumdog Millionaire was a favourite of that awards season when it released — winning eight of its ten Oscar nominations, including Best Picture. Adapted from Vikas Swaroop’s novel Q&amp;A, the film marked a pivotal moment for Indian storytelling — a drama set in the country, helmed by a foreign director. Not like India had not been the subject of foreign filmmakers — but mostly, these were indie films or documentaries. Rarely had a drama featuring a majority of Indian or Indian-American actors and the typical song-and-dance sequences Bollywood was known for, made it to any Oscar category other than International Feature. And yet, here was Slumdog Millionaire that competed and won. But the film didn’t escape criticism. Fans and film critics, alike, analysed the role that Boyle played in managing Indian storytelling with foreign sensibilities. The film also received brickbats from <a href="https://usatoday30.usatoday.com/life/movies/news/2009-01-22-slugdog-mumbai-protest_N.htm">activists, slum dwellers</a>, and the <a href="https://web.archive.org/web/20090130064203/http://www.time.com/time/arts/article/0,8599,1873926,00.html?imw=Y">general Indian population</a>, for partaking in “poverty porn” i.e. dramatising India’s poverty and exaggerating its squalor for the story. “If SM (Slumdog Millionaire) projects India as a Third World dirty underbelly developing nation and causes pain and disgust among nationalists and patriots, let it be known that a murky underbelly exists and thrives even in the most developed nations. It's just that the SM idea authored by an Indian and conceived and cinematically put together by a Westerner gets creative globe recognition. The other would perhaps not,” <a href="https://indianexpress.com/article/entertainment/bollywood/when-amitabh-bachchan-apologised-to-danny-boyle-over-slumdog-millionaire-8218266/#:~:text=In%20a%20follow%2Dup%20blog,opinion%20for%20it%2C%20some%20against.">wrote </a>veteran actor Amitabh Bachchan in a now–deleted blog post. Later, he apologised to Boyle because, as per, Bachchan, his remarks were misconstrued by the media. Criticism aside, what no one can deny is that Slumdog Millionaire’s success also translated into an Oscar win for three talented Indian artists, music composer A R Rahman, sound designer Resul Pookutty, and lyricist Gulzar. <cmsannotation type="cmsannotation" annotationid="Jai Ho and Naatu Naatu: international hits but domestic misses" comment="subhead2" text="Jai Ho and Naatu Naatu: international hits but domestic misses">Jai Ho and Naatu Naatu: international hits but domestic misses</cmsannotation> Rahman and Gulzar have had illustrious careers, delivering musical wonders that continue to impress generations — from jazz lovers to rappers. When the two came together to compose and write the song Jai Ho, it naturally carried high expectations. Perhaps it was the weight of these expectations that let it down domestically but the song became a global sensation, even winning Rahman his first Golden Globe. The foreign media and audience, who presumably had little familiarity with their work, hailed Jai Ho for its mellifluous tune and catchy beats. For many Indians though, who grew up listening to the duo deliver hits like the soundtrack of Saathiya or Guru, Jai Ho was mediocre, at best. Such criticism has also been meted out to Naatu Naatu, with people sharing Keeravani’s past discography as examples of his “better work”. RRR, set during the era of the British Raj in India, has also been criticized for its underlying casteism and Hindutva ideology. The Elephant Whisperers, on the other hand, has only been hailed since its release. Personal opinions aside, these wins are historical moments — to put India and Indian artists on the map and make it count is always worth celebrating! SEE ALSO: <a target="_blank" class="c-link c-message_attachment__title_link" href="https://www.businessinsider.in/entertainment/news/oscar-awards-2023-winners-list-check-out-best-picture-best-movie-and-director/slidelist/98602479.cms">RRR’s ‘Naatu Naatu’ dances away to an Oscar! Here’s a look at the other winners</a> <a target="_blank" class="c-link c-message_attachment__title_link" href="https://www.businessinsider.in/entertainment/news/oscar-winning-documentary-short-the-elephant-whisperers-two-women-created-this-magic/slidelist/98598191.cms">Oscar-winning documentary short The Elephant Whisperers - Two women created this magic</a>

Long before Naatu Naatu, India made the world dance to Slumdog Millionaire’s Jai Ho...

Kolkata, Mar 7 () A few city corporates have comeforward to feed poor people and migrant workers who havebecome jobless because of the coronavirus-triggered lockdown.Real estate construction entity Merlin group and LuxmiTea Company are two such corporate bodies.Merlin group said as part of its CSR activity, thecompany has extended help to over 6,000 families and migrantworkers with 40,000 kilograms of essential foodgrains."We have reached out to the slum dwellers, daily wageearners across parts of Kolkata and Howrah with essentialfoodgrains and hygienic items", MD of Merlin Group Saket Mohtasaid.He said they have set up make-shift kitchens for thehelp of stranded workers at the companys three constructionsites in Kolkata.Director of Luxmi Tea Company Rudra Chatterjee saidthey have set up isolation wards in their estates in Assam andare providing free meals to migrant workers staying there. dcNN NN

City corporates reach out to needy people in COVID-19 time

Bengaluru, May 4 () The Indian women's hockey team has raised funds to the tune of Rs 20 lakh to help in the fight against the COVID-19 pandemic. The Indian team raised the money thorough an 18-day fitness challenge, which concluded on May 3 and resulted in raising Rs 20, 01,130. The funds have been donated to Delhi-based NGO Uday Foundation. The funds will be used to provide basic necessities for patients at various locations, migrant workers and slum dwellers. "The response we have received was really overwhelming. People, especially Indian hockey lovers from across the globe took part in the challenge and contributed to the cause. "On behalf of the Indian Women Team, I would like to thank everyone who took part in this initiative to help the poor," India skipper Rani Rampal said. The challenge involved the team members who came up with different fitness tasks that ranged from burpees, lunges, squats to spider-man pushups, pogo hops and more. Each day a player gave a new challenge and tagged 10 people on their social media handles to take up the challenge and donate Rs 100 to the fundraiser. AT BSBS

You Searched For "slum dwellers" and got 10 results

Both BJP and AAP want votes from Delhi's 4 million slum dwellers for schemes that haven't taken off yet

Prabhjote Gill

Covid-19: Vedanta to distribute around 3 lakh meals to labourers, slum dwellers in Delhi

PTI

Meet the 41-year-old American woman who married a 23-year-old Ahmedabad slum-dweller

Poulomi Das

From a slum dweller to an aspiring IAS, here’s the inspiring story of Ummul Kher

BI India Bureau

Arvind Kejriwal joins the battle for slum votes as he pegs his 'guarantee' against Modi's life-size persona

Prabhjote Gill

Box Office: Bhoothnath Returns In Style In Spite Of Chinks In Armour And A Tepid Start

Sanghamitra Mandal

Smart Cities Are Good Idea, But What About Existing Ones?

Preetam Kaushik

Long before Naatu Naatu, India made the world dance to Slumdog Millionaire’s Jai Ho...

Srishti Magan

City corporates reach out to needy people in COVID-19 time

PTI

Indian women's hockey team raises Rs 20 lakh to help people affected by COVID-19

PTI

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