PM Modi Critiques Kejriwal: 'I Could Have Built a Sheesh Mahal for Myself'

New Delhi, Jan 3 (NationPress) Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Friday criticized the ruling Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) in Delhi concerning corruption, remarking that he could have also constructed a 'Sheesh Mahal' for himself; however, for him, providing homes for the impoverished holds greater significance.

"We envision a developed nation where there are permanent homes for everyone," he noted, pledging an additional 3,000 new EWS flats in Delhi aimed at enhancing living standards.

The term Sheesh Mahal is often mentioned in Delhi's political dialogues, referring to the purportedly corruption-tainted renovation of the official residence belonging to AAP leader and former Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal.

This statement was made by PM Modi during an event where he distributed 1,675 flats to residents of slum clusters in Ashok Vihar, north Delhi, and inaugurated multiple development initiatives remotely, including two urban redevelopment projects in the capital.

In a symbolic act, PM Modi handed over keys of the new flats to five couples, describing the new residences as a manifestation of their “new expectations and dreams”.

Reflecting on the 1975 Emergency declared by then PM Indira Gandhi, Modi shared that during those oppressive times, he had taken refuge in Ashok Vihar.

“Returning to Ashok Vihar today has rekindled my memories of those days,” he expressed.

Before distributing keys to the new homeowners in Jailorwala Bagh, he interacted with children and women at the Swabhiman Apartments courtyard.

During his interaction with the children, PM Modi remarked, "I could see that their dreams were taller than the high-rise apartments."

Referring to the beneficiaries as his family, he emphasized that while he has not constructed a home for himself, he has successfully provided four crore flats to the homeless across the nation.

He remarked, "I could have also built a Sheesh Mahal, but for me, homes for the countrymen are more significant." He encouraged the beneficiaries to inform others that everyone will soon receive a pucca house.

The residents celebrated him by showering flower petals and expressing gratitude for amenities like lifts and playgrounds. The PM motivated the children to strive hard and contribute to the nation’s journey towards Developed India 2047, as stated by a resident.

“Modiji has not only provided shelter but has also paved a new future for our children,” shared a beneficiary.

Earlier, he visited the Swabhiman Apartments in Ashok Vihar alongside Union Housing and Urban Development Minister Manohar Lal, examining the facilities in the newly built homes for those who lived in slums on the same plot until recently.

Prior to the event, PM Modi took to his X handle, highlighting the day as significant for Delhi’s development. “Today marks a pivotal day for Delhi's development. At a programme in Ashok Vihar, I will inaugurate and lay the foundation for a range of development works aimed at enhancing 'Ease of Living' for the people of Delhi,” he stated.

PM Modi asserted that these developmental activities would foster growth and learning.

“These initiatives embody our steadfast commitment to nurturing future generations by equipping them with knowledge, innovation, and opportunities in an environment conducive to growth and learning,” he added.

Regarding the multiple projects inaugurated on Friday, he remarked, “The projects include an advanced academic block at the Eastern Campus in Surajmal Vihar, East Delhi, and another at the Western Campus in Dwarka. Furthermore, the foundation will be laid for Veer Savarkar College in Roshanpura, Najafgarh, designed to represent excellence in education with state-of-the-art facilities.”

The inauguration of the newly constructed flats in Ashok Vihar signified the successful completion of the second In-Situ Slum Rehabilitation Project by the Delhi Development Authority (DDA).

The project's aim is to provide better living conditions for residents of the JJ clusters in Delhi, ensuring proper amenities and facilities.

For every Rs 25 lakh invested in constructing a flat by the government, eligible beneficiaries contribute less than 7 percent of the total cost, which includes Rs 1.42 lakh as a nominal fee and Rs 30,000 for five years of maintenance.

PM Modi also inaugurated two urban redevelopment projects: the World Trade Centre (WTC) at Nauroji Nagar and the General Pool Residential Accommodation (GPRA) Type-II Quarters at Sarojini Nagar.

The World Trade Centre at Nauroji Nagar has revitalized the area by replacing over 600 dilapidated quarters with modern commercial towers, providing approximately 34 lakh square feet of premium commercial space equipped with advanced amenities.

The project emphasizes green building practices, featuring a zero-discharge concept, solar energy production, and rainwater harvesting systems.

The GPRA Type-II Quarters at Sarojini Nagar comprise 28 towers housing over 2,500 residential units, offering contemporary amenities and efficient space utilization. The design includes rainwater harvesting systems, sewage and water treatment plants, and solar-powered waste compactors to promote eco-friendly living.

Furthermore, PM Modi inaugurated the CBSE's Integrated Office Complex in Dwarka, constructed at about Rs 300 crore. It features offices, an auditorium, an advanced data center, and a comprehensive water management system, among other facilities.

The eco-friendly building adheres to high environmental standards and was designed in accordance with the Platinum Rating standards of the Indian Green Building Council (IGBC).

Additionally, PM Modi laid the foundation stone for three new projects at Delhi University worth over Rs 600 crore. This includes the Eastern Campus at Surajmal Vihar in East Delhi, the Western Campus at Dwarka, and the Veer Savarkar College at Roshanpura, Najafgarh, featuring state-of-the-art educational facilities.