Chhatarpur: AAP’s Fierce Protest Led by Naresh Tyagi — Serious Allegations Against MLA Kartar Singh Tanwar and Chief Minister Rekha Gupta Over Mohalla Clinic Closure

By Reyasat Ali Sameer
Senior Correspondent

Naresh Tyagi, known for his social work and advocacy for the poor and underprivileged in Ambedkar Colony, turned this protest into a historic movement. During the march, he made a strong statement, saying:

> “Mohalla Clinics are not just centers for medicines — they are symbols of hope for the poor. This decision is tyrannical and inhumane. The government must apologize to the people and immediately restore these clinics.”

Tyagi revealed that the Ambedkar Colony Mohalla Clinic will be completely shut down from November 12, as per the notice issued by the health department to the local staff.

> “That date will be remembered as a ‘Black Day’ for this locality. A place that provided free treatment will now be locked, and hundreds of poor patients will be left wandering for help.”

He added that residents had already informed MLA Kartar Singh Tanwar about the issue, yet no action had been taken.

During the march, many women, children, and elderly people leveled serious accusations against the government over the clinic closures.

Sanjeeda Begum, an elderly resident, said:

> “I have been getting treatment for sugar and blood pressure here. Once the clinic shuts down on the 12th, I’ll have to go all the way to the dispensary in Chhatarpur village — which is very difficult for me.”

Prem Lata Sharma, who attended the protest with her two children, added:

> “This clinic ensured our children’s health and safety. Now, without it, we’ll lose access to medicines and medical tests. This closure will increase our suffering.”

Rashid Khan remarked:

> “Here, we used to get treated within 15–20 minutes. Now we’ll have to stand in long queues at government hospitals. The end of this service on November 12 means the beginning of a daily struggle for us.”

Residents said the situation would be most dire for poor and middle-class families. Those who relied on regular medicines and checkups for chronic conditions like thyroid, cough, fever, blood pressure, and diabetes will now be left helpless. Statistics show that these clinics served thousands of residents of Chhatarpur Pahadi and Ambedkar Colony, offering free consultations, tests, and medicines.

Locals accused the Delhi government of acting out of political vendetta, saying the closure was a direct attack on public health. Many expressed deep dissatisfaction with the attitude of MLA Kartar Singh Tanwar.

Abdul Samad (Nannu Bhai), a local resident, told the correspondent:

> “When he was in the Aam Aadmi Party, he inaugurated this very Mohalla Clinic. Now that it’s being shut down, he remains silent. That’s a betrayal of public trust.”

The Mohalla Clinic initiative, launched by former Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal, had earned international acclaim. Yet, the BJP-led government seems determined to dismantle it. Protesters said that if there were flaws in the system, the government should have improved or upgraded it instead of closing it down.

In the context of Chhatarpur village, the decision appears even more irrational. Although a dispensary exists about a kilometer away, the government’s justification that the clinic lies within the “hospital range” ignores ground realities. The dispensary is too far and inaccessible for the elderly, women, and children living in the hilly areas of Chhatarpur Pahadi. Locals argued that if the dispensary were sufficient, there would never have been a need for the clinic in the first place.

Haji Allah Mehr stated:

> “The government says the clinic is being closed because there’s a dispensary nearby. But how will the elderly and women travel there? This decision is disconnected from reality.”

The closure affects not only access to healthcare but also ignores the geographical challenges of the area.

Social worker Pinku Khan, during the protest, said:

> “The government should not play with people’s health. Ambedkar Colony houses hardworking people who cannot afford private treatment. Chief Minister Rekha Gupta must realize where these people will go now.”

RWA President Bhasin suggested that all RWAs in Chhatarpur should unite to submit a joint memorandum to the MLA and Chief Minister.

The protesters’ anger also targeted what they described as politically motivated discrimination. While the Rekha Gupta government is promoting the “Ayushman Arogya Mandir (AAM)” scheme — which aims to upgrade clinics and link them with Jan Aushadhi Kendras — protesters said this was only a pretext.

The government claims that the existing clinic staff will be absorbed into AAM, but the Health Workers’ Union alleged:

> “With the closure of over 121 Mohalla Clinics, between 600 and 2,000 doctors, nurses, and paramedical staff are losing their jobs.”

The matter is currently under consideration in the Delhi High Court.

However, protesters maintained that the new schemes exist only on paper and have failed to reach rural areas. Concluding the march, Naresh Tyagi declared:

> “November 12 is not just a date — it’s a lock on people’s rights. If the government doesn’t withdraw this order, we will continue this public struggle.”

This protest not only raises questions about the healthcare system in Chhatarpur but also across Delhi. If the government fails to act in the public interest, the movement will intensify further.

Mohammad Ali, RWA President of Paare, said:

> “This clinic was a lifeline for Blocks A, B, and D of Ambedkar Colony. Once it shuts down on November 12, every household will feel the impact. The government must revoke this decision immediately.”

Residents concluded with a clear message:

> “Don’t close the clinics — improve them. That’s the real service to the people.”

Among those who participated were Haji Allah Mehr, Haji Anwar, Haji Abdul Samad (Nannu Bhai), Haji Muntiyaz, Abdul Khalik, Nazakat Hasan, Veer Bhadra Singh (Bablu Bhai), Shiva, Khurshid Khan, Anees, Kamal Singh Bhandari (Kammu), and Waseem Khan, along with numerous women, children, and elderly citizens.

They collectively warned that if the government did not roll back the decision, the agitation would expand across Delhi.