Kejriwal Responds to Modi's Criticism, Highlights BJP's Lack of Leadership for Delhi Elections
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New Delhi, Jan 3 (NationPress) Former Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal launched a sharp counter-offensive against Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Friday, following the Prime Minister's earlier remarks branding the governance of the Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) as 'Aapada' (disaster). Kejriwal emphasized that the BJP is currently faced with three 'Aapadas' because it lacks a CM face, a coherent narrative, and substantial issues for the Delhi elections.
During a press conference, Kejriwal accused PM Modi of misusing a 43-minute speech to attack a democratically-elected government rather than addressing urgent matters.
He pointed out the dual governance structure in Delhi, where citizens elect both a central and a state government, with the BJP controlling the Centre and AAP leading the state administration.
Kejriwal underscored AAP's achievements over the last decade, contrasting them with what he labeled as the BJP's stagnation. He specifically criticized the Central government for not fulfilling key commitments.
"In 2020, the Prime Minister pledged homes for everyone in Delhi by 2022. However, in five years, only 4,700 houses have been constructed, while the city is home to 4 lakh slums. At this rate, their manifesto appears to be more of a 200-year vision rather than a five-year plan," Kejriwal remarked.
He accused the BJP of demolishing slum areas and displacing residents under the pretext of development.
Mentioning the housing provided by the BJP in Kalkaji, Kejriwal claimed that the quality of these units is subpar.
Kejriwal further criticized PM Modi for what he termed as mere symbolic gestures of development.
"The Prime Minister visited Delhi to lay the groundwork for three colleges after a decade. In contrast, our government has achieved tangible results -- we have established three universities, constructed 22,000 classrooms, and set up five new hospitals. Our priority is on actual work rather than ceremonies," he stated.
In response to PM Modi's comments, Kejriwal asserted that the BJP lacks a chief ministerial candidate for Delhi and has not presented any vision or agenda for the city's development.
Taking a direct swipe at the party, Kejriwal stated, "The BJP is dealing with three 'Aapadas' as it has no CM face, narrative, or issues for the Delhi elections."
Kejriwal continued to criticize both PM Modi and Union Home Minister Amit Shah, stating, "The BJP has no agenda for the advancement of Delhi and no leader to inspire confidence among the electorate. Instead of serving the people, they prefer to insult the residents of Delhi who placed their trust in AAP with their votes."
Kejriwal concluded by asserting that AAP's governance model is focused on delivering real benefits to the citizens, unlike the BJP, which he accused of depending on rhetoric and divisive politics.
Earlier, PM Modi likened the ruling AAP government to a calamity or 'Aapada' that is destroying the city and introduced a new slogan: 'Aapada ko hatana hai, BJP ko lana hai'.
PM Modi, without directly naming AAP or its leader Arvind Kejriwal, criticized the Delhi government for alleged corruption in 'Sheesh Mahal', the cleaning of the Yamuna, the liquor policy, and the failure to enhance schools and healthcare facilities.
