BJP Claims AAP Government is Hindering Delhi Metro Projects by Withholding Rs 7200 Crore

New Delhi, Dec 5 (NationPress) The Delhi BJP asserted on Thursday that the AAP government’s inability to release Rs 7,201 crore promptly for the Delhi Metro is posing a risk of delays to both ongoing and upcoming projects that are essential for advancing public transport and tackling pollution.

The party has initiated a campaign to gather suggestions from citizens for its Assembly election manifesto, announcing that 14 vans will traverse the city, allowing residents to submit their ideas in designated boxes. “Our sole agenda is to build a better Delhi,” declared Delhi BJP President Virendra Sachdeva.

Sachdeva also launched a rally featuring 600 auto-rickshaws and expressed that if the BJP is elected to power, it will provide cashless living and medical insurance for auto-rickshaw drivers.

Previously, the Leader of Opposition in the Delhi Legislative Assembly, Vijender Gupta, stated he is writing to Chief Minister Aatishi, raising questions about the alleged delays in fund release for the Delhi Metro while her government has neglected issues such as traffic congestion and pollution.

Gupta revealed that the Delhi government is obligated to provide Rs 7,201 crore for the Delhi Metro-4 project but has failed to do so. He also noted that the AAP government has delayed a payment of Rs 4,879 crore to the Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA), which supports several projects.

“The Delhi Metro had communicated with the Delhi government on November 20, requesting approval for funds based on the government’s Revised Estimates; failure to act would lead to project delays,” Gupta criticized the AAP government for obstructing Central government-supported initiatives such as the Delhi Metro, Delhi-Meerut rail, and the Eastern Peripheral road work by the NHAI.

Gupta accused the AAP government of silencing the Opposition during the concluding session of the seventh legislative assembly, which wrapped up on Wednesday.

He mentioned that Opposition members were denied the opportunity to address public issues, and those advocating for discussions were removed from the assembly by marshals. According to him, the AAP government has transformed into a “dumb and deaf” administration as it neither listens to public concerns raised by the Opposition nor permits discussions on them.

In a press conference held at the Delhi BJP office, Vijender Gupta noted that during the assembly session, the Opposition aimed to question the government regarding the substantial funds spent on Arvind Kejriwal’s official residence, colloquially referred to as “Sheesh Mahal”, but when a request was made, the Leader of Opposition’s microphone was silenced.

He added that the Opposition sought to discuss issues such as the 14 pending CAG reports, the escalating pollution in Delhi, and the Delhi Teachers University operating in merely four rooms of a school building. However, ruling party members created disturbances, leading to the session’s adjournment.

BJP legislators Mohan Singh Bisht, Abhay Verma, and Delhi BJP spokesperson Yasir Zilani were also present at the press conference.

Gupta further claimed that the AAP government is misleading not only the public but also the High Court. He referenced a petition filed by BJP legislators concerning the CAG reports in the High Court and explained that the Delhi government had assured the court that the current legislative session would not be the last. This turned out to be a blatant lie, as the government concluded the session after merely two days, a day after their statement in the High Court.

During the discussion on law and order in the House, Gupta asserted that BJP MLAs raised the issue of an assault on Rajya Sabha MP Swati Maliwal at Kejriwal's residence, but the ruling party disrupted the proceedings.

Gupta also accused the AAP government of harboring Rohingyas and illegal immigrants, converting them into voters using fraudulent documents. He alleged that these immigrants are contributing to rising crime rates in Delhi.

Earlier, Chandni Chowk MP Praveen Khandelwal spearheaded a signature campaign advocating for the Ayushman Bharat Pradhan Mantri Jan Arogya Yojana, which the AAP government has yet to implement in Delhi.

The signature campaign took place in Lok Vihar District Park in Pitampura, located in north Delhi. The Delhi BJP also initiated a missed call campaign to rally support for the implementation of the Ayushman Bharat Scheme in Delhi. Residents can express their support by giving a missed call to 7820078200.

Gupta further criticized the AAP government for its so-called ‘false education revolution’, asserting that the government undertakes projects without adequate planning, leaving them unfinished.

He cited the Delhi Teachers University as an example, which was established to train teachers but presently operates in just four rooms of a school. For the past year and a half, there have been no admissions, and now only 64 students are enrolled, none of whom are in teacher training programs, but rather basic courses like BA and MA.

Gupta highlighted the government’s failures, noting that 29 Pratibha Vikas Vidyalayas established during the BJP's tenure were closed, leaving many talented students without a future.

He also demanded immediate financial assistance for 20 lakh workers who have lost their jobs due to GRAP-4, but the government has yet to respond.