In a sharp critique of the Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) government just days before the Delhi Assembly elections, External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar said he feels "ashamed" to admit abroad that residents of the national capital lack basic necessities.
Speaking at an interaction with the South Indian community in Delhi, Jaishankar accused the AAP of failing to provide essential services such as clean water, electricity, housing, and healthcare. He urged voters to opt for a regime change on February 5, when elections for Delhi’s 70 Assembly seats will be held.
"Whenever I travel abroad, I feel embarrassed to tell people that the residents of India's capital don’t have access to proper housing, cooking gas, piped water under the Jal Jeevan Mission, or benefits from Ayushman Bharat," Jaishankar said. "Over the past decade, Delhi has fallen behind. If the government does not give you your rights, then it's time to change this government."
The Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP), which has been in opposition in Delhi for years, has repeatedly accused AAP of neglecting basic infrastructure and governance.
BJP Intensifies Attack on AAP
At a campaign rally on Saturday, Union Home Minister Amit Shah also hit out at AAP, alleging corruption and misgovernance. He claimed there was a growing wave against the party in Delhi and accused the Kejriwal-led government of running a "3G" regime—“Ghapla (corruption), Ghuspaithiyon ko panah (sheltering illegal immigrants), and Ghotala (scams)."
Meanwhile, BJP leader Anurag Thakur criticized Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal for failing to deliver on his promises.
"He claimed he would clean Delhi’s air, but pollution has only worsened. He said he would clean the Yamuna and take a dip in it, yet the river remains polluted. He promised clean drinking water, but residents still struggle with contamination. He vowed better roads, but Delhi’s infrastructure has deteriorated," Thakur said at a rally.
Delhi Gears Up for High-Stakes Polls
With just days left for the February 5 elections, AAP, BJP, and Congress have intensified their campaigns, making the contest a high-voltage battle for control of the capital.