Kejriwal Hits Back at PM Modi's 'AAPda Govt' Comment: 'True Leaders Don’t Resort to Abuse'

In response to Prime Minister Narendra Modi's critique, labeling the AAP government as an "AAPda" (disaster) for Delhi, AAP chief Arvind Kejriwal defended his administration's record. Kejriwal highlighted that instead of engaging in negative rhetoric, his focus has been on serving the city's residents. He mentioned that reviewing the achievements of his government could span hours, emphasizing their commitment to progress, unlike the accusations of inactivity he attributed to the BJP-led central government.

During a recent event in New Delhi, Prime Minister Modi launched several infrastructure projects and took the opportunity to criticize the AAP government's performance over the last decade. Modi's speech, which included inaugurating housing and educational initiatives, underscored his belief that the AAP's governance had adversely affected the capital. He warned of deterioration in the city’s condition if AAP continued in power, accusing the city government of corruption across various sectors, including education and pollution control.

In a detailed rebuke of the Prime Minister's statements, AAP leader Saurabh Bharadwaj dismissed the notion that Delhi's government had been a disaster. Bharadwaj pointed to significant improvements in essential services such as the sewage system, water supply, and electricity under AAP's tenure. He contrasted these achievements with what he viewed as the central government's lack of contribution to the capital's welfare, citing escalating crime rates as a failure of the BJP's governance.

Bharadwaj also addressed Modi's criticism of Delhi's education system by inviting the Prime Minister to visit the city's government schools. He suggested that such a visit would reveal the extent of the progress made, countering Modi's disparagement with evidence of the schools' positive reputation internationally. This invitation reflects AAP's confidence in the reforms they've implemented in the educational sector, despite the Prime Minister's denunciation from a significant platform.

Modi's speech not only condemned the AAP's governance but also made a broader appeal for change in the upcoming assembly elections. He positioned the BJP as the alternative needed for nation-building and people's welfare, framing the election as a battle against the "disaster" he claims AAP represents. His rallying cry, "'Aapda' ko nahi sahenge, badal kar rahenge (we will not tolerate 'aapda', we will change it)," encapsulates his call for AAP's defeat.

The Prime Minister lamented his inability to fully assist Delhi's residents, attributing this to the city government's rejection of central initiatives like the Ayushman Bharat health insurance scheme. He contrasted this with the successes in sectors like highway construction and housing for the poor, implying these were areas less influenced by the city government's policies.