Lagatar24 Desk
New Delhi: AAP leader and former Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal on Friday responded strongly to Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s remarks against the AAP-led Delhi government. Dismissing the allegations, Kejriwal accused the BJP of failing to deliver on its promises while emphasizing his administration’s achievements over the past decade.
Kejriwal highlighted that during PM Modi’s 43-minute speech, “39 minutes were spent criticizing the people of Delhi and their chosen government.” He stated that since 2015, the AAP government has consistently worked for the welfare of Delhi’s citizens, contrasting it with the BJP’s alleged failure to meet its commitments. He said, “If you ask me to list our accomplishments in the last 10 years, even 2-3 hours would not suffice.”
Reacting sharply to PM Modi’s “sheesh mahal” remark, Kejriwal commented, “A person who builds a ₹2,700 crore house, travels in an ₹8,400 crore airplane, and wears a ₹10 lakh suit is in no position to speak about extravagance. I focus on governance, not personal attacks or abusive politics.”
Kejriwal pointed to the BJP’s 2020 manifesto promise to provide pucca houses for all in Delhi by 2022. He criticized the Centre for failing to deliver, revealing that only 4,700 houses have been handed over while over 2 lakh people were left homeless due to slum demolitions. He remarked, “This isn’t just about the BJP’s failure; it reflects their anti-poor stance. While we focus on building homes, they resort to demolishing lives.”
The AAP supremo underlined the party’s achievements in healthcare, education, and housing, asserting that his government worked for the people while the BJP relied on criticism. “Those who work don’t abuse; those who don’t work contest elections by relying on accusations,” he added.
PM Modi, during the inauguration of several development projects in Delhi earlier in the day, had referred to the AAP government as an “aapda” (disaster). He accused AAP of corruption and called for its defeat in the upcoming elections, stating, “‘Aapda’ ko nahi sahenge, badal kar rahenge (We won’t tolerate ‘disaster’; we’ll change it).”
Kejriwal dismissed the remarks as baseless election rhetoric, reiterating his commitment to the people of Delhi. With the assembly elections drawing closer, the political battle between AAP and BJP is intensifying, setting the stage for a heated campaign.
