New Delhi: Prime Minister Narendra Modi Saturday attacked the AAP, dubbing it the party of “back-stabbers” and “betrayers”, while asking voters in Delhi to give the BJP full majority in the Feb 7 assembly polls and promising them an “honest government” in return.
Without naming the Aam Aadmi Party, Modi said: “People can make a mistake once, but not again and again. One year back, Delhi people had voted with dreams.
“Last year, those whom you people voted, back-stabbed you and shattered your dreams. They ruined your one year,” the prime minister said at a rally in east Delhi’s Karkardooma area.
He said he had come to seek the “blessings” of the people of the capital.
“Delhi won’t vote for betrayers and those who destroyed Delhi,” he said.
AAP’s Arvind Kejriwal had formed the government in Delhi after the December 2013 assembly polls. He resigned as chief minister over the Lokpal bill after 49 days in power.
Modi, who shared the stage with Bharatiya Janata Party president Amit Shah and the party’s chief ministerial candidate Kiran Bedi, asked the people of Delhi to vote for a BJP government as it can work in tandem with the centre.
“Elect a government with whom I can work shoulder to shoulder towards making a positive difference in your lives.”
The prime minister said the BJP had emerged as the largest party in the Delhi assembly last time. “Give us full majority this time,” he said.
“I have come here to assure you that the BJP will give you an honest government in Delhi,” he said.
Modi said the entire world was watching the Delhi polls.
“If India needs to be introduced to the world, then Delhi is the best place to showcase. All events in the capital have an imprint on not only the country but the entire world. It represents India,” he said.
The prime minister said that with US President Barack Obama’s visit to India, the country’s image has been enhanced the world over.
He said he has worked against corruption, but added: “I don’t publicise that”.
“I have come to Delhi as you have called me. If you had not given me seven MPs, then I would not have been able to come to Delhi. Thus I have come at your bidding,” he said.
The prime minister said Delhi has been in a mess for the last 15 years.
“I have come to take Delhi out of all the mess. I am not satisfied that you give me space to sit in the South Block. I want to serve each and every nook and corner of Delhi.”
Modi said Bedi was the right person for the capital’s top job.
“Delhi needs a stable government. Kiran ji knows Delhi well. She has administrative experience. She will take Delhi to new heights.”
He said the BJP will make India slum-free by 2022 and promised concrete houses for slum dwellers within the city precincts.
Addressing the people before Modi, Bedi said if she became Delhi’s chief minister, within three days she would ensure that cameras are installed in public buses and road junctions.
“In my first three days as CM, I will deploy home guards and civil defence volunteers in civil dress in buses, metros and roads to protect women.
“Cameras will be installed inside buses and also at road junctions to check crime,” she added.
Meanwhile, in response to Modi’s attack, Kejriwal said it was for the people of Delhi to decide which is the better party.
“You know how much work we did in our 49 days and what has the BJP done in eight months?” he said at a public rally in Delhi.