Shanty homes in New Delhi were demolished before the G20 summit, leaving residents devastated and without shelter. The government claims the demolitions were due to illegal structures, but activists believe it is an attempt to beautify the city for foreign dignitaries. The demolitions highlight the contradiction between India's desire to be seen as a modern superpower and its failure to address poverty. Many residents in Delhi live in slums and unauthorized areas, and the government is being criticized for hiding poverty from visitors. The demolitions have left over 100,000 residents homeless and in dire living conditions. Despite India's aspirations as a global leader, activists argue that the country's poorest citizens continue to struggle.