Prime Minister Narendra Modi launched a scathing attack on the Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) during speeches on Saturday, confirming the presentation of the Comptroller and Auditor General's (CAG) report during the first assembly session following the recent Delhi Assembly elections. The elections, held on February 5, concluded with the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) winning 48 out of 70 assembly seats, marking their return to power after 27 years.
Modi, addressing thousands of supporters at the BJP headquarters, emphasized the significance of this victory and reminded citizens of the allegations surrounding the AAP government. "These AAP-da (disaster) people tried to put up various conspiracies every day to win the assembly election. I guarantee now the CAG report will be presented, and whoever has looted will have to return it," Modi stated. His remarks signaled the party's intent to pursue accountability for alleged mismanagement of public funds.
The CAG report has reportedly flagged significant financial irregularities, highlighting revenue losses exceeding Rs 2,026 crore linked to the Delhi government's excise policy. Of these losses, Rs 890 crore arose from the failure to re-tender licenses before the policy period ended. Further, exemptions granted to zonal licenses contributed to losses of Rs 941 crore.
Modi also took the opportunity to criticize AAP leader Arvind Kejriwal, who suffered defeat from BJP's Parvesh Sahib Singh, marking the end of his decade-long tenure as Delhi Chief Minister. The Prime Minister indicated the discontent residents felt under AAP's rule, asserting, "Delhi's residents are relieved to see the back of AAP-da... I bow my head and thank the people of Delhi for believing in Modi's guarantee." This rhetoric fell amid the backdrop of AAP's sharp decline from the 2020 elections, where they secured 62 seats, to just 22 seats this time around.
Congress, which previously held power for 15 consecutive years before losing it to AAP, did not win any seats again, reflecting their continued struggle since 2013.
Expressing gratitude to the people of Delhi, Modi declared, "Delhi has wholeheartedly supported us; we will return love double the love through development." His comments reflect the BJP's commitment to the city's progress, with promises to rectify issues such as the pollution of the Yamuna River, and addressing the public's concerns during the pandemic when AAP was criticized for alleged negligence.
Modi asserted, "We will make the Yamuna the identity of Delhi; it may take time, but we will fulfill our promise with resolve." He framed the election results as not only a rejection of AAP's governance but also as validation for the BJP's vision for the capital's future.
Addressing the structural problems evidenced by the CAG report, Modi stated, "I guarantee the report will be presented, and those who are involved will face the consequences." He condemned AAP's neglect of areas such as public health, education, and urban infrastructure, arguing, "Today, Delhi’s authenticity has spoken for itself, there is no space for shortcuts and deceitful politics." His indictment of AAP stemmed from broader socio-economic grievances, challenging the party to address its past failures.
Interestingly, Modi's comments also targeted Congress, deriding their lack of vision and effectiveness. He called them "parasites" and criticized their electoral performance, indicating they not only perform poorly on their own but impact their allies negatively as well. This artistic positioning allows BJP to shortcut any reference to collaboration or compromise with their historical opponents, reinforcing their supremacy as the party prioritizing development.
With the CAG report soon to be tabled, the upcoming assembly session is set to be contentious as all eyes will be on the BJP's next steps and their promises to the electorate. Modi's strong stance against AAP's governance could signify new legislative initiatives aimed at public accountability and financial transparency, forming the cornerstone of his administration's agenda moving forward.
Political analysts are predicting fierce debates within the assembly, as the CAG's findings set the stage for scrutiny of previous AAP policies and practices. The BJP’s return to power focuses heavily on dismantling the image of AAP, strongly emphasizing restoring the public's trust through decisive governance. All eyes will be on the BJP as they face the challenge of fulfilling electoral promises made to the people of Delhi.