Congress leader Rahul Gandhi visited families of patients camping outside the All India Institute of Medical Sciences (AIIMS) on Thursday night, criticizing the Centre and Delhi government for their insensitivity as people endured harsh conditions on roads, footpaths, and subways amid the biting cold.

“Battling illness, cold weather, and government apathy—today I met with patients and their families outside AIIMS, who have traveled from distant places seeking medical care. Instead of receiving the support they deserve, they are forced to sleep on the streets, clinging to hope despite hunger, cold pavements, and immense hardship,” Gandhi shared in a social media post.

He accused both the Centre and Delhi government of failing to fulfill their responsibilities towards the public.

Pawan Kumar, whose 13-year-old daughter is a blood cancer patient, told ANI that they have been waiting for treatment since December 3. “Rahul Gandhi asked for my phone number and assured me that his team would reach out to offer help,” he said. The girl’s mother added that Gandhi promised financial assistance for their daughter’s treatment.

The Congress also commented on social media, highlighting the plight of those forced to live in such dire conditions, calling it a reflection of the government’s negligence and lack of empathy.