Union Home Minister Amit Shah vows to eliminate Bangladeshi infiltrators and clean the Yamuna within three years, setting the stage for a heated Delhi Assembly election battle.
Union Home Minister Amit Shah has made bold promises ahead of the Delhi Assembly elections, vowing to eliminate illegal Bangladeshi infiltrators from the city and restore the Yamuna River’s cleanliness within three years if the BJP secures victory. These declarations come amidst heated exchanges with the Aam Aadmi Party (AAP), which currently governs Delhi.
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A Strong Critique of AAP’s Governance
While addressing a rally in Narela, Shah criticized the AAP for what he described as a decade of poor governance under Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal. According to Shah, Delhi has seen deteriorating infrastructure, including waterlogging, unclean water supply, and mismanagement of waste.
“During CM Arvind Kejriwal’s rule, Delhi went from bad to worse. In 10 years, many states with double-engine governments have reached great heights, but Delhi continues to grapple with basic issues,” Shah asserted.
Yamuna Riverfront Development Promise
Shah pledged to develop the Yamuna riverfront along the lines of Ahmedabad’s Sabarmati Riverfront. This issue has become a focal point in the elections, with both the BJP and AAP claiming efforts to clean the Yamuna.
Critics, however, have pointed out that the AAP failed to meet its own deadline of 2025 for cleaning the Yamuna, which has drawn sharp criticism from opposition leaders. Highlighting this failure, BJP’s New Delhi candidate Parvesh Verma recently immersed an effigy of Kejriwal into the river, symbolizing his alleged inability to fulfill promises.
AAP’s Defense and Counterarguments
Responding to criticism, Kejriwal admitted that his administration had fallen short of its promise to clean the Yamuna but assured voters that the goal would be achieved within the next two to three years if re-elected.
Shah Introduces New Term for AAP
In a biting remark, Shah referred to the AAP as the “Aawaidh Aamdaniwali Party” (Party of Illegal Income), accusing the party of corruption and deceit.
“Kejriwal only told lies to secure votes. AAP has engaged in illegal income and misled people on various issues. They promised simplicity but built luxurious accommodations like the ‘Sheeshmahal’ for their leader,” Shah said.
Shah also criticized Kejriwal for aligning with Congress despite earlier claims of never forming alliances.
Focus on Purvanchali Voters
A significant portion of Shah’s speech targeted Delhi’s Purvanchali population, comprising migrants from Bihar, Uttar Pradesh, and Uttarakhand. These voters have significant influence over 27 of Delhi’s 70 assembly seats. Shah accused AAP of disrespecting Purvanchalis by calling them “fake voters.”
“Do my brothers and sisters from Bihar, Uttar Pradesh, and Uttarakhand not have the right to vote in Delhi? AAP has not only insulted them but also created chaos,” Shah stated.
As election day approaches, both BJP and AAP are ramping up efforts to win over Purvanchali voters, emphasizing their contributions to Delhi’s economy and culture.
Election Timeline and Key Issues
The Delhi Assembly elections are scheduled for February 5, with results expected on February 8. Key issues include:
Addressing concerns of Delhi’s migrant populations.
Development and infrastructure improvements.
Pollution control, particularly the Yamuna cleanup.
