PM Modi Critiques AAP on Corruption as BJP Prepares for Delhi Assembly Elections

New Delhi, Jan 3 (NationPress) Launching the BJP's campaign for the Delhi Assembly elections, Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Friday likened the ruling AAP government to a disaster or "AAPada" ravaging the city and introduced a new slogan "AAPada ko hatana hai, BJP ko lana hai".

During a speech that lasted an hour at the inauguration of EWS flats for slum residents in Ashok Vihar, North Delhi, PM Modi, without directly mentioning AAP or its leader Arvind Kejriwal, criticized the Delhi government for alleged corruption associated with "Sheesh Mahal", the cleaning of the Yamuna, the liquor policy, and the lack of improvements in schools and healthcare.

The term "Sheesh Mahal" is commonly used in Delhi's political discourse to refer to the reportedly corrupt renovation of the official residence of AAP leader and former Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal.

He remarked, "Ek toh chori upar se seena Jori" (They are shameless and show no remorse for misdeeds), emphasizing that the AAP government has failed to utilize even half of the funds provided by the Central government aimed at enhancing education in Delhi.

Enumerating the alleged obstructive actions and poor governance of the AAP, PM Modi stated, "Delhi voters desire to rid the city of this AAPada and are affirming, 'AAPada ko nahin sahenge, badal ke raheinge'".

His emphasis on energizing the BJP base with a new slogan is noteworthy, as his previous slogans like 'Kharchi parchi' in Haryana and "Ek hain toh safe hain" in Maharashtra have significantly influenced recent Assembly polls.

Reaffirming his pledge to provide 30,000 new homes to the underprivileged in the city under the Pradhan Mantri Awas Yojana - Urban, PM Modi remarked that he could have also constructed a "Sheesh Mahal" for himself, but prioritized housing for the poor instead.

PM Modi accused AAP and Kejriwal of deceiving the people of Delhi with empty promises regarding anti-corruption. He stated, "They exploited Anna Hazare's anti-corruption campaign as a guise and steered the city towards corruption", asserting that Delhi residents have been misled by individuals who took false oaths to combat corruption.

Hinting at stringent actions against corrupt officials, especially AAP leaders involved in alleged corruption and money laundering, he said, "When AAPada departs and the BJP government takes charge, these issues will be addressed".

He assured Delhi residents of benefits from the nationwide health insurance under Ayushman Bharat and outlined the central government's plan to provide up to Rs 75,000 in subsidies to households participating in the free power scheme linked to PM - Surya Ghar Muft Bijli Yojana.

While criticizing the AAP government for obstructing Central government-funded initiatives, PM Modi pointed out that 75 lakh individuals in Delhi are receiving free rations under the 'One Nation, One Ration Card' scheme, which has eradicated corruption associated with obtaining new ration cards.

Responding to opponents questioning the Central government's contributions to Delhi's development, PM Modi highlighted the establishment of 500 Janaushadhi Kendras in the city for affordable medications and the construction of highways to address vehicular pollution.

He stated, "It is due to the hurdles they create that your servant Modi is unable to serve you", claiming that the AAP government has failed to provide essential infrastructure like roads and sewers in unauthorized colonies, while the Central government has been organizing camps to grant ownership rights to residents.

He also mentioned that a polluted Yamuna has hindered Poorvanchalis from offering prayers in the sacred river.

PM Modi asserted that significant advancements have been made by Central government ministries in Delhi wherever there has been no interference from the AAP government.

He stated, "The DDA is constructing homes for EWS individuals, and highways are being developed by the Union highways ministry to alleviate traffic congestion", announcing that the infrastructure projects, including Metro extensions and new tunnels and highways proposed by the seven BJP MPs for Delhi's development, have received preliminary approval.

The elections to select a new 70-member Assembly in Delhi are anticipated to occur around February. The BJP last won the Assembly elections in 1993 and is now aiming to leverage PM Modi's popularity to regain power after a span of 26 years. The ruling AAP came to power in 2014 with a pledge to combat corruption, ending the 15-year reign of a Congress government led by Sheila Dikshit.