Politicians protest demolitions in Delhi

Politicians protest demolitions in Delhi: "Delhi was on edge on Monday as the government continued its demolition drive.

Eighteen thousand illegal constructions in the capital are being bulldozed to implement a High Court order.

Determined not to go down without a fight, owners of these buildings have been protesting, often violently. Even politicians, fearing a voter backlash, have voiced their opposition to the MCD drive. The police stood guard on Monday to prevent more damage, but despite that, it turned out to be a rough day.

The police force had its hands full as bulldozers rolled into residential areas of west Delhi. The tension built quickly as owners, who watched their houses being torn down, got rough with the police.

"It's our not fault. We have to pay them money. We all have to exist," said a resident. Shopkeepers in Lajpat Nagar, one of Delhi's most congested markets, were furious with the High Court order. But shoppers and residents welcomed the move as it meant more parking space among other things.

As demolitions picked up on day three, politicians of Delhi cutting across party lines forgot their differences and united against the drive. BJP MLAs held a protest march, while Congress MLAs met the Lt Governor.

No political party seems willing to take responsibility for the urban nightmare that Delhi has become. Even authorities, which were in power when these buildings came up, seem indignant with the High Court order to tear them down.

Delhi still seems reluctant to clean up its act. But despite the tension, its residents hope that they will have more breathing room soon."