Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Friday inaugurated 1,675 flats for ‘Jhuggi-Jhopri’ (JJ) clusters and two significant urban redevelopment projects in Delhi, marking a major milestone in the city’s development journey. The event also served as a platform for PM Modi to criticize AAP chief and Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal, referencing the ongoing controversy surrounding the latter’s residence.
Speaking at the inauguration ceremony, PM Modi said, “The country knows it well that Modi never built a home for himself but has built more than 4 crore houses for the poor; ‘mai bhi koi sheeshmahal bana sakta tha’ (even I could have built a Sheeshmahal).”
बीते 10 वर्षों से दिल्ली एक बड़ी आप-दा से घिरी है। अन्ना हजारे जी को सामने करके कुछ कट्टर बेईमान लोगों ने दिल्ली को आप-दा में धकेल दिया।
– पीएम श्री @narendramodi #दिल्ली_चली_मोदी_के_साथ pic.twitter.com/DLIgAk72lW
— BJP Delhi (@BJP4Delhi) January 3, 2025
This comment alluded to recent allegations of extravagant expenditures on the Delhi Chief Minister’s official residence. An October report by the Public Works Department (PWD) detailed the installation of high-end appliances and gadgets worth several crores at the CM’s bungalow.
Continuing his attack, PM Modi remarked, “In the last 10 years, Delhi is surrounded by an ‘aapada’ (disaster). By keeping Anna Hazare at the front, a few ‘kattar beimaan’ (extremely dishonest) people have pushed Delhi towards ‘aapada’. ‘AAP aapada bankar Delhi par toot padi hai’ (AAP has descended as a calamity on Delhi).”
Focus on Development
The Prime Minister highlighted India’s progress, stating, “Today, India has become a symbol of political and economic stability. This role of India will strengthen even more in 2025. This year will be the year to strengthen India’s position in the world. It will be the year of making India one of the biggest manufacturing centres in the world.”
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Earlier in the day, PM Modi took to X (formerly Twitter) to express the significance of the event, stating, “Today is an important day for Delhi’s development. At a programme in Ashok Vihar, will be inaugurating and laying the foundation stones for a wide range of development works which will boost ‘Ease of Living’ for the people of Delhi.”
In-Situ Slum Rehabilitation Success
The inauguration of the newly constructed flats marks the completion of the Delhi Development Authority’s (DDA) second successful In-Situ Slum Rehabilitation Project. At the event, PM Modi handed over keys to eligible beneficiaries of the Economically Weaker Section (EWS) flats at Swabhiman Apartments in Ashok Vihar.
Under the scheme, for every Rs 25 lakh spent by the central government on the construction of a flat, beneficiaries contribute less than seven per cent of the total cost. This includes a nominal contribution of Rs 1.42 lakh and Rs 30,000 for five years of maintenance.
Urban Redevelopment Projects
The Prime Minister also inaugurated two urban redevelopment projects: the World Trade Centre at Nauroji Nagar and the General Pool Residential Accommodation (GPRA) Type-II quarters at Sarojini Nagar. According to the government, the World Trade Centre has transformed the area by replacing over 600 dilapidated quarters with state-of-the-art commercial towers, offering around 34 lakh square feet of premium commercial space equipped with advanced amenities.
A political undertone
The development push from the BJP-led central government comes as Delhi prepares for assembly polls expected in February. The new projects underscore the government’s commitment to improving the living standards of Delhi’s residents while also setting the stage for the upcoming elections.
