As Delhi assembly polls near, Modi goes all guns blazing; compares Arvind Kejriwal to Charles Sobhraj

Addressing his first poll campaign rally after the announcement of elections in Delhi, Prime Minister Narendra Modi asserted that the capital city was ready to welcome the double-engine BJP government. Modi said the country deserved a world class capital and added that this has not happened during the 25 years of Congress and AAP governments in Delhi.

"We must give 21st-century Delhi a unique, special identity. The world should recognise Delhi not just as India’s capital, but as a model city for a developed India. Only the BJP can achieve this,” Modi said.

The mainstay of Modi’s speech was a scathing attack on former Delhi chief minister Arvind Kejriwal for misleading the people on claims about poisoning Yamuna water. Modi compared Kejriwal to Charles Sobhraj, a serial killer and criminal known for duping people.

The campaign in Delhi touched a new peak as the war of words escalated between the three main contenders – AAP, BJP and the Congress. A day ago, the Congress had attacked Kejriwal saying he was afraid of Modi. Kejriwal responded with a corruption jibe against the Congress leaders. The poll season is a clash of three personalities – Modi, Kejriwal and Rahul Gandhi.

"They asked for votes, three times, promising to clean Yamuna, yet now accuse Haryana of poisoning Delhi's water. This is pure dishonesty and malice. AAP wants Delhi to suffer, forcing our Purvanchali brothers to celebrate Chhath Puja in filth every year,” Modi said during his rally at Delhi’s Kartar Nagar.

He added, “It’s time for change. BJP has a track record of delivering on promises. Under BJP, rural areas saw progress – from toilets and electricity to tap water in 12 crore homes. If we can bring tap water to remote villages, why can't we ensure clean water for every home in Delhi?"

PM Modi said AAP leaders had no interest in working as for the last five years, the Delhi assembly sat for just 74 days, the shortest working period in its history. “While Delhi’s problems intensified, only 14 laws were passed, and five of those were only about the legislators’ own salaries and pensions. This shows AAP’s lack of concern for the people. Instead of resolving issues, they turned the assembly into a space for insults and petty arguments."

Coming to the BJP’s promises, Modi said, BJP’s Sankalp Patra promises to uplift women, youth, students, the middle class, and workers guaranteeing its fulfillment.

"To those living in jhuggis, I assure you your home will be built too. Modi doesn’t have a home, but my dream is for every poor person to have their own home. Those who build Sheesh Mahal and waste millions of public money can never think about the homes of the poor."

Responding to the AAP's claims about the BJP discontinuing the welfare schemes if people were to vote for it, PM Modi said, "They’re claiming that BJP will end welfare schemes. But the BJP never stopped any schemes that were for the benefit of the people, even if they came from Congress. For example, MGNREGA wasn’t shut down, it was freed from corruption and now operates efficiently. Similarly, in Delhi, no projects funded by taxpayer money for the poor will be stopped. The BJP will ensure transparency and eliminate corruption."

Highlighting BJP's poll promises, Modi said, "Delhi BJP will deposit Rs 2,500 monthly into every woman's account and provide Rs 21,000 during pregnancy for nutritious food. For those working in homes cleaning, cooking, childcare, and driving, the BJP will set up a welfare board with Rs 10 lakh insurance. This includes many poor families, especially women in slums. Scholarships will be given to their children, and BJP promises free education from KG to PG, eliminating concerns over school fees."