Prime Minister Narendra Modi launched a scathing attack on the opposition, particularly Arvind Kejriwal’s Aam Aadmi Party (AAP), during his address in Parliament on Tuesday. His remarks come just ahead of the crucial Delhi Assembly elections on Wednesday, where the BJP sees AAP as its primary rival.
PM Modi’s Dig at AAP Over Luxury Spending
PM Modi began his speech with a sharp jab at certain political leaders, stating, “Some leaders are focusing on jacuzzis and stylish showers… but our focus is on getting water connections in every home (and) our government gave tap water to 12 crore families.” This was a clear reference to allegations that Kejriwal’s government spent Rs 45 crore of taxpayer money on luxury renovations for his official residence, which has been dubbed the ‘Sheeshmahal.’
Speaking in the Lok Sabha. https://t.co/5cGIgu7G00
— Narendra Modi (@narendramodi) February 4, 2025
The Prime Minister further attacked AAP, accusing it of failing to fulfill its pre-election promises. He contrasted this with the BJP’s governance model in Haryana and Maharashtra. “We promised jobs and, as soon as our Haryana government was formed, we gave jobs as promised. In Maharashtra too, we registered a historic win…” he asserted.
BJP vs AAP: Freebies vs Development
PM Modi took aim at AAP’s ‘freebies’ strategy, which includes free water and electricity. While AAP has defended these policies as necessary for the welfare of Delhi’s residents, Modi criticized them as unsustainable and misleading. “We focus on youth but some betray them. This group, during elections, promises many things but doesn’t fulfill them. This group is an ‘AAP-da’ on youth’s future…” he remarked, coining a pun on AAP’s name.
ALSO READ: EC responds to Atishi’s bias claim, says poll panel is ‘absorbing such outbursts with sagacity’
Interestingly, despite the BJP’s criticism of AAP’s welfare schemes, both the BJP and Congress have included similar benefits in their election manifestos, a move that has drawn sarcastic responses from AAP leaders.
Congress Under Fire: PM Modi’s Response to Rahul Gandhi
After targeting AAP, PM Modi turned his focus to Congress, responding to Rahul Gandhi’s recent criticisms of the government’s handling of the India-China border situation and the struggling manufacturing sector. He mocked Congress’ long-standing slogan ‘Garibi Hatao’ (Eradicate Poverty), highlighting the BJP’s success in lifting millions out of poverty.
“In the last 10 years of (BJP rule), 25 crore people were able to overcome poverty. But, before this, for decades we heard ‘Garibi Hatao’ slogans, but nothing changed… We didn’t give slogans to the poor… we gave real development. Till now, we have given four crore houses to the poor,” Modi declared.
ALSO READ: 8 AAP MLAs join BJP ahead of Delhi Assembly Election
Further attacking Congress and AAP, he accused their leaders of engaging in superficial PR stunts. “We have done so much for the poor… the President spoke about it at length in her speech. But those who do ‘photo ops’ in huts… they will find discussions on poor people boring.”
PM Modi on Economic Reforms and Tax Benefits
PM Modi also reminded voters of a major tax relief announcement from the Union Budget, emphasizing the BJP’s commitment to the middle class. “In 2014, there was no tax relief for salaries up to Rs 2 lakh. Today, that number is Rs 12 lakh. From April 1, salaried individuals earning up to Rs 12.75 lakh will effectively pay no tax, considering the standard deduction,” he said.
PM Modi’s Message to the Opposition: Read ‘JFK’s Forgotten Crises’
In a unique turn, PM Modi recommended opposition leaders read ‘JFK’s Forgotten Crises’ by Bruce Reidel. The book, which discusses key political and diplomatic challenges faced by US President John F. Kennedy, was mentioned as a counter to Congress MP Rahul Gandhi and Samajwadi Party leader Akhilesh Yadav’s recent questions on India’s handling of China-related border issues.
ALSO READ: Rahul Gandhi claims Chinese troops are on Indian soil, BJP mulls Privilege Motion; ‘…attempt to ridicule country’
The Prime Minister’s address, which was marked by strong opposition protests and enthusiastic applause from BJP MPs, set the stage for a heated battle ahead of the Delhi elections. With his sharp rhetoric and emphasis on the BJP’s governance track record, Modi positioned his party as the only credible alternative to AAP and Congress in the upcoming polls.