In a series of election rallies across Delhi on Sunday, Defence Minister Rajnath Singh took strong jabs at the Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) government, accusing them of refusing central assistance due to fears that the credit would go to Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s government. Singh also slammed both the AAP and Congress, urging voters to give the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) a chance to govern the national capital.
AAP’s Fear of Credit: Rajnath Singh’s Allegation
Addressing three rallies in Rajendra Nagar, Laxmi Nagar, and Chandni Chowk, Singh alleged that the Delhi government, led by Arvind Kejriwal, rejected the central government’s aid to avoid giving credit to the Modi administration. He claimed that while India’s economy had significantly grown under the BJP-led government, Delhi had not benefited from this progress.
“When India is developing under Prime Minister Narendra Modi, why should Delhi be left behind? The Delhi government does not take the Centre’s help because the chief minister is afraid that Modi ji will get the credit,” Singh stated, calling out Kejriwal for prioritizing political interests over the city’s development.
BJP’s Vision for Delhi’s Development
The Defence Minister reminded the audience that Delhi had been governed by either Congress or AAP for the past 26 years, and now it was time for the BJP to serve the city. He argued that while India rose from the 11th largest economy in 2014 to the 5th largest today, Delhi remained stagnant due to the local government’s reluctance to collaborate with the Centre.
“The BJP has not had an opportunity to serve Delhi in a long time. Delhi did not get the development it deserves,” he added.
BJP vs AAP-Congress: Alleged Friendly Fight
Singh further took aim at the AAP and Congress, alleging that the two parties were essentially the same. “Congress and AAP are having a friendly fight,” he remarked, accusing them of forming the INDIA alliance before Congress decided to break away and fight elections alone.
He also accused Kejriwal of going against the anti-corruption movement’s founder, Anna Hazare, by forming a political party, despite Hazare’s objections. Singh claimed Kejriwal had abandoned his promises to the people in pursuit of political power.
Kumbh Stampede and Congress Criticism
In another part of his speech, Singh condemned Congress leader Mallikarjun Kharge for making controversial remarks about the Maha Kumbh. He questioned whether Kharge would make similar statements about other religions. He also referred to the tragic stampede during the Kumbh in Uttar Pradesh, expressing his condolences and vowing to discuss the incident with Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath.
BJP’s Commitment to Delhi’s Progress
Pledging that the BJP would continue all of the AAP government’s schemes if they came to power, Singh urged voters to give the saffron party a chance to lead Delhi. “I am here to appeal to you: save Delhi. What has the AAP government done to it?” Singh asked the crowd.
Delhi Assembly Elections
As the Delhi Assembly elections approach, with voting set for February 5 and results to be counted on February 8, the BJP is intensifying its efforts to present itself as the alternative to the AAP and Congress, promising a fresh approach to governance in the capital
