Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Friday criticised the Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) for hindering Delhi’s development while using the city’s resources for political gain. Speaking at a public rally in Dwarka, Modi accused AAP of turning Delhi into a “political ATM” to fund its ambitions in other states and urged voters to choose a “double-engine government” for the city’s progress.
Modi highlighted the newly inaugurated Yashobhoomi convention centre in Dwarka as a representation of the BJP’s vision for a modern Delhi. “The BJP wants to make Delhi modern, and a glimpse of that can be seen in Dwarka with the construction of the majestic Yashobhoomi,” he said.
Taking aim at AAP, the Prime Minister alleged that the party had exploited Delhi’s resources, saying, “AAP-da (AAP disaster) has looted Delhi’s money and is using it to expand its politics elsewhere. They are taking money out of Delhiites’ pockets.” He called for voters to free the city from AAP’s rule.
Modi also accused AAP of focusing more on political infighting than governance. “Over the years, they have been fighting — with Uttar Pradesh, Haryana, and the Centre. If such people continue to rule Delhi, the city will continue to lag behind,” he said.
Assuring the public of stronger governance, Modi promised a crackdown on corruption if the BJP forms the next government in Delhi. “As soon as the BJP forms government here, there will be a stricter crackdown on AAP-da’s corruption,” he said, vowing to table a report from the Comptroller and Auditor General (CAG) in the Vidhan Sabha, which he claimed detailed AAP’s alleged financial misconduct.
In addition to targeting AAP, Modi condemned Congress for insulting President Droupadi Murmu. Referring to the Congress as a “shahi parivaar” (royal family), Modi said, “Look at their arrogance, they insulted President Droupadi Murmu, who comes from a tribal background.”
“Member of Congress‘ ‘shahi’ family termed President’s speech “boring”, said she’s “poor thing”; this is an insult of all tribals,” he added.
The Prime Minister continued, “Congress has insulted all those who rise from the poor, Dalits, tribals, and OBCs,” adding that the party’s attitude was an affront to progress from these communities.