Prime Minister Modi criticizes AAP over alleged misuse of public funds, emphasizing his focus on providing homes for the underprivileged.
New Delhi: Prime Minister Narendra Modi, on Friday, took a sharp yet indirect dig at Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) leader Arvind Kejriwal during the inauguration of multiple development projects in Delhi. Referring to the controversy surrounding Kejriwal’s official residence, dubbed the “Sheesh Mahal” by critics, PM Modi stated that while he could have built a luxurious house for himself, he chose instead to focus on providing housing for the underprivileged.
“The country knows very well that Modi has never built a house for himself, but in the past ten years, I have fulfilled the dreams of over four crore poor families by providing them with homes. ‘Mai bhi koi Sheesh Mahal bana sakta tha,’ but my only dream was for my fellow countrymen to have permanent homes,” PM Modi said.
The ‘Sheesh Mahal’ Controversy
The BJP has repeatedly criticized Kejriwal for allegedly spending excessive public funds on renovating his official residence, referring to it as the “Sheesh Mahal.” AAP has defended the expenditure, stating that the residence was intended to serve as an official house for all future Chief Ministers of Delhi. After Kejriwal’s resignation, the residence was briefly occupied by Atishi, but it was later vacated for Public Works Department (PWD) inventory checks.
Sharp Criticism of AAP’s Governance
During his speech, PM Modi took aim at the AAP government, likening it to a disaster for Delhi. He accused the AAP of engaging in widespread corruption across various sectors, including education, healthcare, and infrastructure.
“For the past 10 years, Delhi has been engulfed by a major disaster (‘AAP-da’). Some hardcore dishonest people, by confronting Anna Hazare, have pushed Delhi into this disaster. Scams in liquor policy, scams in children’s schools, scams in the treatment of the poor, scams in the name of fighting pollution, scams in recruitments,” PM Modi alleged.
He further criticized the party for glorifying corruption, stating, “First they steal, then they boast about it. This disaster has befallen Delhi, and the people have now begun a battle against this disaster.”
Inauguration of Development Projects
PM Modi inaugurated several major projects aimed at improving the lives of Delhi’s residents:
- 1,675 Flats for JJ Cluster Residents
- Located at Swabhiman Apartments in Ashok Vihar, these flats are part of a slum rehabilitation project aimed at providing affordable housing for economically weaker sections (EWS).
- Foundation Stone for Veer Savarkar College
- Situated in Roshanpura, Najafgarh, the new college will feature state-of-the-art facilities, enhancing educational opportunities for students in Delhi.
- Delhi University Projects Worth Rs 600 Crore
- PM Modi laid the foundation for three key projects at Delhi University, including modern academic blocks in East Delhi and Dwarka, to provide cutting-edge learning environments for students.
- Slum Rehabilitation Project at Jailorwala Bagh
- Aimed at transforming urban spaces, this project focuses on uplifting the living conditions of residents in marginalized areas.
A Focus on Housing for the Underprivileged
PM Modi reiterated his government’s commitment to ensuring housing for all, emphasizing that over four crore poor families had already received homes in the past decade. His focus, he said, remains on fulfilling the basic needs of the people rather than indulging in personal luxury.
Public Response and Political Implications
The Prime Minister’s remarks are seen as a strategic move ahead of upcoming elections, as the BJP seeks to challenge AAP’s governance in Delhi. With his emphasis on development and anti-corruption measures, PM Modi aims to resonate with voters frustrated by the controversies surrounding the AAP government.
As the foundation stones are laid for these ambitious projects, Delhi’s residents wait to see how these initiatives will impact their lives and the city’s future.
