PM promises welfare schemes will continue if BJP forms govt in Delhi

Prime Minister Narendra Modi's rally in Rohini on Sunday drew large crowds and sharp political discourse, a day after the Delhi BJP released its first list of candidates for the upcoming Delhi Assembly elections.

- SURUCHI KUMARI

Addressing the gathering, Modi launched a scathing attack on the Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) government, branding it a "disaster" for the national capital and urging voters to support a "double-engine government" to bring tangible progress to Delhi.

Modi reassured Delhiites that welfare schemes would continue under BJP rule but warned of action against corruption in their implementation. "No welfare scheme will be stopped, but dishonest contractors will be shown the door," he declared.

Earlier in the day, Modi inaugurated several projects in the city worth Rs 12,200 crore.

He inaugurated a 13-km section of the Delhi-Meerut Regional Rapid Transit System (RRTS) corridor from Sahibabad in Ghaziabad to New Ashok Nagar here.

The inauguration of key infrastructure projects also included the Janakpuri West Krishna Park Extension section of Delhi Metro Phase IV and the foundation stone for the Rithala-Narela-Kundli corridor.

"Highways are being developed, the Metro network is expanding, and new hospitals are being built.

However, once you step out of the Metro, you encounter potholed roads and overflowing sewers. This reflects the city's dire condition under the current government," he stated.

Emphasising the need for synergy between the Centre and a BJP-led state government, Modi assured, "Only when this AAPDa' (disaster) is removed can Delhi truly progress. The double-engine government will transform the city." A significant highlight of the rally was a replica model of Delhi's former Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal's renovated official residence-branded "Sheesh Mahal" by the BJP.