As the Delhi Assembly Elections approach, Prime Minister Narendra Modi intensified his criticism of the Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) government, referring to it as an “AAPda” (disaster) for the capital. Speaking at a rally in Rohini, Delhi, the Prime Minister launched development projects worth over Rs 12,000 crore and sharply targeted the governance under Arvind Kejriwal’s leadership.
PM Modi emphasized the need to end the current regime for the capital’s development, stating, “Only when this ‘aapda’ is removed from Delhi, the double-engine of development will come in.” He claimed that Delhi residents have grown increasingly aware of the inefficiencies of the AAP government and are determined to bring about change. “In the past 10 years, Delhi has experienced a government that is no less than an ‘aapda.’ The people have realized this, and one voice is reverberating across Delhi—’Aapda nahi sahenge, badal kar rahenge’ (we will not tolerate disaster, we will bring change),” he said.
The Prime Minister accused the AAP government of spending the past decade fighting with the Centre rather than focusing on governance. He further dismissed the AAP’s fear-mongering tactics that claimed a BJP government would halt key welfare schemes. Modi reassured Delhiites that, if elected, the BJP would continue all public welfare initiatives and work to eradicate corruption in their implementation.
Modi criticized the AAP-led government for turning every season into a crisis, citing issues like water shortages, waterlogging, and pollution. “For Delhi, these people have made every season, every weather, ‘aapda kaal’. The energy of Delhiites is spent in dealing with ‘aapda’ throughout the year,” he remarked, stressing that only by removing the AAP from power could the “double-engine of development and good governance” be realized.
Highlighting the infrastructure progress made by the Centre, including expanded highways, Metro lines, and new hospitals, Modi pointed out the stark contrast to the poor state of local roads and traffic conditions. “You can see potholed roads and overflowing sewers as soon as you step out of a Metro station. In some areas, even auto and cab drivers refuse to ply due to long traffic jams,” he said.
Referring to the COVID-19 crisis, Modi reminded the audience that while Delhi was struggling to access essential resources like oxygen and medicine, the Delhi government focused on building a lavish “Sheesh Mahal.” He called out the AAP’s priorities, claiming that they are more concerned with their image than the welfare of Delhi’s residents.
As the election draws closer, PM Modi’s remarks reinforce his appeal for change, with the BJP positioning itself as the alternative to
