The political temperature in the national capital is soaring as the Delhi Assembly elections approach. With electoral campaigns in full swing, political accusations fly thick and fast. Recently, Prime Minister Narendra Modi handed over keys to ‘Swabhimaan Flats’ to 1675 families residing in Ashok Vihar’s slum cluster. While there, PM Modi took a firm stance against the AAP government.
In response, Delhi's former CM and AAP’s national convenor, Arvind Kejriwal, launched a counter-attack against Prime Minister Modi and BJP. During a press conference, Kejriwal remarked on PM Modi’s recent visit to Delhi, highlighting his lengthy, 43-minute speech that primarily criticized the people of Delhi and their democratically chosen government. He pointed out that in 2015, Delhiites voted for two governments: one at the center, led by BJP, and another locally by AAP. The unprecedented dual governance brings challenges, but people demanded distinct leadership.
Kejriwal emphasized the accomplishments of AAP’s decade-long governance, listing achievements that could occupy hours. In contrast, he argued the central BJP-led government failed to produce a single noteworthy achievement in its 43-minute address to Delhi’s citizens.
Three Disasters in BJP: Kejriwal's Insight
Kejriwal stated that PM Modi commented on disastrous conditions in Delhi, remarking instead that the real calamity resides within BJP. The first disaster is the lack of a CM candidate from BJP, second is the absence of a cohesive narrative, and third, the void of a concrete agenda. Concerning Delhi, the challenge remains law and order, with even distress calls from women going unheard by officials like Amit Shah. The government’s sole focus should be benefiting Delhiites, regardless of whether it’s through central or state plans.
BJP's 200-Year Resolution
Kejriwal asserted that action-makers need not resort to slander, suggesting BJP’s inactivity over the past decade has led to unfounded criticisms towards Delhi’s populace. In 2020, PM Modi unveiled BJP’s manifesto with promises for Delhi, including permanent housing for all by 2022. Yet, merely 4700 houses have been built amidst 4 lakh slums, necessitating homes for over 1.5 million people. This slow progress could render the resolution a 200-year plan.
All Slums to Be Cleared by 2030?
The projected timeline implies construction of 1700 homes every five years, indicating significant completions only by 2030 pre-elections. Concurrently, rampaging demolitions have displaced nearly 2,78,000 people over the past five years without ensuring replacements. Kejriwal promised that continuous support for existing governance will prevent destruction without delivery, emphasizing that recently allocated homes in Kalkaji offer abysmal living conditions akin to purgatory.
