PM Modi's Inauguration of Infrastructure Projects Marks Collaboration Between Centre and Delhi Government

Arvind Kejriwal, leader of the Aam Aadmi Party (AAP), highlighted two infrastructure projects inaugurated by Prime Minister Narendra Modi as significant for Delhi. He stated these were collaborative efforts between the central and city governments. On Sunday, Modi inaugurated a 13-kilometre section of the Delhi-Meerut Regional Rapid Transit System (RRTS) from Sahibabad in Ghaziabad to New Ashok Nagar, and the Janakpuri West-Krishna Park Extension of Delhi Metro's Phase IV.

Kejriwal congratulated Delhi's residents during a press conference, emphasising the joint nature of these projects. He addressed critics by stating, "These inaugurations are a reply to those who say AAP only engages in fights." Kejriwal also mentioned the challenges faced by his party, including imprisonment and alleged torture of its leaders, but stressed their commitment to governance over the past decade.

Focus on Development Amid Political Tensions

The former chief minister criticised Modi for allegedly spending much of his speech attacking the Delhi government. Kejriwal remarked, "Today, the prime minister kept abusing the people of Delhi and the elected government of Delhi. I was listening to it; it felt bad." He referenced an unfulfilled promise made by Modi in 2020 regarding changes to the Delhi Land Reform Act, which requires central government action.

Kejriwal urged Modi to honour promises from the BJP's election manifesto. He also criticised delays in notifying Delhi's Master Plan 2041, highlighting its negative impact on development. "Delhi's 2041 Master Plan is still awaiting notification, which has completely stalled city's development. Why is the central government not notifying it?" he questioned.

The Delhi Assembly had previously passed a resolution concerning this issue and sent it to the central government years ago. With elections for Delhi's 70-member Assembly approaching in February, Kejriwal's comments underscored AAP's focus on development amid ongoing tensions with the Centre.