Opposition Targets CM Rekha Gupta Over Absence From Malviya Nagar Fire Site

New Delhi, June 2026 : Delhi Chief Minister Rekha Gupta has come under sharp criticism from opposition parties following her absence from the site of the devastating Malviya Nagar hotel fire that claimed 21 lives on Wednesday. The tragedy, one of the deadliest fire incidents in the national capital in recent years, has triggered both grief and political debate, with opposition leaders questioning the Chief Minister’s decision not to visit the scene.

While several political leaders reached the affected area and interacted with victims’ families, Chief Minister Gupta chose not to visit the site. Her absence drew criticism from the Aam Aadmi Party (AAP), whose Delhi unit chief Saurabh Bharadwaj accused the government of failing to demonstrate leadership during the crisis.

In a post on social media platform X, Bharadwaj alleged that eyewitnesses had raised concerns over a delayed response by fire services and criticised the Chief Minister for not personally visiting the tragedy site or meeting the families of those who lost their lives. He claimed that Delhi residents were grieving and seeking answers while the state leadership remained distant from the ground situation.

The criticism came even as the Chief Minister expressed deep sorrow over the loss of lives and ordered a comprehensive inquiry into the incident. Gupta directed South Delhi District Magistrate Lakshay Singhal to submit a detailed report on the circumstances that led to the fire and the factors that contributed to the heavy loss of life.

The Chief Minister assured that strict action would be taken against any individual or agency found responsible for negligence or violations that may have contributed to the disaster. She also pledged all possible support to the victims and their families.

In an official statement, Gupta said she was deeply saddened by the tragic incident and extended her condolences to the bereaved families. She also prayed for the speedy recovery of those injured in the blaze and expressed solidarity with all those affected.

According to the Chief Minister, emergency response agencies acted swiftly after information about the fire was received. Teams from Delhi Fire Services, Delhi Police, the Delhi Disaster Management Authority (DDMA), CATS Ambulance Services and other rescue agencies were immediately deployed to the site.

She noted that the coordinated response helped rescue and evacuate several people trapped inside the building. The government, she said, is closely monitoring the situation and ensuring that medical assistance and other forms of support are being provided to affected families.

Reaffirming the administration’s commitment to those impacted, Gupta stated that the Delhi Government stands firmly with the victims during this difficult period and will extend every possible assistance as the investigation into the tragedy continues.

(The content of this article is sourced from a news agency and has not been edited by the Mavericknews30 team.)