Rahul Gandhi joins striking sanitation workers in East Delhi

Ahead of his visit to Chhattisgarh, Congress vice president Rahul Gandhi on Friday met sanitation workers in east Delhi.

The move by the Gandhi scion came days after Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal met the striking sanitation workers on Monday and promised them to release Rs 500 crore to clear their salary dues.

The Congress party has accused the Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) government of making Delhi residents suffer over the strike by sanitation workers in the national capital.

Sanitation workers in the capital have been on strike for over two months, citing non payment of their salaries by the Municipal Corporation of Delhi. According to the the East Municipal Corporation, it is awaiting funds in order to clear the salary dues of the striking workers.

With many areas in east Delhi, such as Mayur Vihar, Ganesh Nagar and Laxmi Nagar, almost becoming dumping grounds with garbage piling up outside colonies, residents have expressed fear that the problem may spark a major health crisis.

The sanitation workers had also staged a protest outside the residence of Delhi CM Arvind Kejriwal. Reacting to the issue, the AAP government had alleged that the funds meant for the salaries of the sanitation workers were diverted by authorities towards making swimming pools and stadiums.