A devastating fire that tore through the Brahmaputra building in New Delhi has escalated into a major political controversy, drawing sharp criticism from opposition leaders across party lines against the BJP-led Delhi government's handling of governance and accountability in fire safety measures.
Prominent opposition figures, including former Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal, wasted no time in condemning Rekha Gupta's administration. They accused it of "criminal negligence" and "ignoring repeated warnings" regarding fire safety protocols in high-rise buildings.
TMC MP Saket Gokhale, who resides in the building, issued a strongly worded statement detailing the harrowing ordeal and highlighting the "pathetic state of preparedness" in Delhi.
"We saw first-hand the dismal state of affairs in Delhi under the BJP govt. There are three fire stations within a 5-minute distance. NONE of them responded when the staff in the building called. I then personally called the Fire Dept at 1:22 pm. And the first fire engine showed up TWENTY FIVE MINUTES later," Gokhale wrote in his post.
He further elaborated on the building's inadequate infrastructure: "The fire system of the building had NO WATER. The fire alarm is DEAD. Eventually, people evacuated amidst a blazing inferno. Ambulances showed up AN HOUR LATER. And not a single ambulance had even a first-aid kit. Along with MPs, the building also has accommodation for staff. About eight staff houses are completely gutted. Staff members living in them lost EVERYTHING."
Gokhale described the entire incident as "a terrifying experience" that exposed deep-rooted deficiencies in the city's emergency response system.
Former Delhi Chief Minister and Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) national convenor Arvind Kejriwal echoed Gokhale's criticisms, accusing the BJP government in Delhi of plunging the capital into chaos and dismantling the progress achieved by previous administrations—all within just six months.
"Ruined everything within six months," Kejriwal wrote on X in direct response to Gokhale's post.
In an earlier statement, Kejriwal contrasted the current state of affairs with the achievements of his tenure, claiming that the city—which once boasted world-class schools, improved hospitals, clean water, and free electricity—now grapples with "broken roads, garbage heaps, and overflowing sewers."
He further alleged that residents are being saddled with "electricity and water bills worth thousands" even as water supply has completely stopped in several areas.
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"People voted for the BJP, thinking that with the lieutenant governor, the Centre, and the Delhi government under one party, governance would improve. But they (BJP) have destroyed Delhi in six months," Kejriwal said. He emphasised that AAP's politics was centred on service, not power.
The fire erupted on Saturday afternoon in the Staff Quarter block of MPs' Flats at Brahmaputra Building, BD Marg, New Delhi, according to the Ministry of Housing & Urban Affairs. The blaze originated in the silt area, where unserviceable furniture items—stacked and lined up for disposal—were stored. At approximately 1:15 pm, the fire reportedly started due to the ignition of firecrackers by children in the vicinity.
Thanks to the swift and coordinated efforts of CPWD officials and Delhi Fire Service personnel, the fire was fully extinguished by 1:45 pm, bringing the situation under complete control.
No casualties were reported in the incident. All firefighting systems installed in the building were operational and were effectively utilised to contain the flames before the arrival of fire tenders.
Also Read: Fire engulfs MPs’ apartments near parliament
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