'Four-Engine Govt' in Delhi a 'Killing Machine': Congress on Satya Niketan Building Collapse

New Delhi: The Congress on Monday launched a scathing attack on the BJP over the Satya Niketan building collapse, describing Delhi's so-called "four-engine government" as a "killing machine" and demanding accountability for the deaths of seven people.

The five-storey building, which housed a paying guest accommodation near Delhi University's South Campus, collapsed on Sunday while repair work was reportedly underway. The tragedy triggered a major rescue operation and renewed concerns over the safety of student accommodation in the national capital.

Congress Demands Accountability

Addressing a press conference, Congress leader and NSUI in-charge Kanhaiya Kumar accused the BJP government of failing to ensure adequate safety standards and alleged that corruption and administrative negligence contributed to the tragedy.

Kumar questioned the functioning of the authorities responsible for regulating buildings and student accommodations in Delhi. He argued that accountability should extend across the administrative chain, including the Municipal Corporation of Delhi (MCD) and other authorities responsible for building safety and enforcement.

Kumar also criticised Prime Minister Narendra Modi over his recent visit to Delhi University and questioned why he had not visited Satya Niketan following the tragedy.

Calling the incident an "act of fraud", Kumar said the BJP's "four-engine government" had failed to protect students and ordinary citizens. His remarks were part of the Congress's broader political attack on the BJP following the collapse.

Congress Seeks Student Housing Reforms

The Opposition party also put forward a series of demands aimed at improving accommodation and safety for students in Delhi.

The Congress called for affordable accommodation for students, a rent-control law for hostels and paying guest facilities, and inspections of PG accommodations across areas surrounding Delhi University.

It also demanded that illegally operated hostels and PG facilities be shut down and that proper safety rules be established for student housing.

The party further sought Rs 1 crore compensation for the families of each person who died in the collapse and better medical facilities for those injured.

NSUI Raises Questions Over Rescue Response

NSUI president Vinod Jakhar also criticised the initial response to the incident. He alleged that police, medical teams and rescue personnel were not immediately available at the site and questioned the preparedness of local authorities.

The Congress said many PG accommodations around Delhi University's North and South Campuses operate in buildings that may require greater scrutiny and safety checks.

The allegations come as authorities continue to investigate the circumstances surrounding the collapse. Police have registered a case against the building owner, while the Delhi government has ordered a magisterial inquiry into the incident.

Seven Killed in Satya Niketan Collapse

The collapse occurred at a five-storey building housing a boys' PG accommodation in the congested Satya Niketan area. Rescue teams, including disaster-response personnel, worked through the debris following the incident.

Reports said the building had been undergoing repair work, including work in the basement, when it collapsed. The exact cause remains subject to investigation.

The tragedy has also prompted scrutiny of the enforcement of building safety regulations and the oversight of student accommodation facilities in Delhi.

Political Row Intensifies

The Congress's attack has added a political dimension to the tragedy, with the Opposition demanding that responsibility be fixed rather than limiting the response to an inquiry.

The party said authorities must conduct inspections of PGs and hostels, identify unsafe structures and take action against those operating accommodation facilities in violation of safety regulations.

The incident has also raised wider questions about the availability of affordable and safe housing for students in Delhi, particularly around major university campuses where demand for PG accommodation remains high.

As the investigation continues, the focus is expected to remain on the structural condition of the collapsed building, the legality of the accommodation, the repair work underway at the time and the responsibilities of the agencies involved in regulating the property.