Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath, in a blistering attack on the Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) and Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal, criticised the state of governance in the national capital. Speaking at a rally in the Kirari area ahead of the February 5 Delhi Assembly polls, Adityanath accused the AAP government of turning Delhi into a “garbage dump” and failing to provide basic facilities to its citizens.
“Yesterday, I along with all my ministers, took a holy dip at the Sangam in Prayagraj where Maha Kumbh is underway. I want to ask Kejriwal whether he can bathe in the Yamuna in Delhi along with his ministers. He should answer if he has any moral courage,” Yogi said, highlighting the dire condition of the Yamuna River under the AAP government.
ROADS, SANITATION, AND POWER
The Uttar Pradesh CM didn’t stop at the Yamuna’s pollution. He also took aim at Delhi’s roads, sanitation, and power supply.
“There’s a stark difference between the roads and public amenities in Delhi and Ghaziabad. AAP has deprived Delhi’s citizens of basic facilities,” Yogi said, contrasting the situation in Delhi with better infrastructure in Uttar Pradesh’s neighboring Noida and Ghaziabad.
Yogi also slammed the AAP government for poor sanitation, pointing out the piles of garbage on city streets, overflowing sewers, and poorly maintained roads.
“The roads are filled with potholes, and in some places, it’s hard to tell if there’s a road under the potholes. Garbage piles and filth are everywhere,” he stated. He went on to describe his personal experience, saying, “There is a pile of garbage, the sewer is flowing on the roads, our vehicle also had to come through the same road.”
ELECTRICITY AND DEVELOPMENT
Yogi further criticised the Delhi government for its electricity policies, alleging that AAP was charging three times more for electricity while failing to ensure a continuous supply. “They are working as an ATM of lies. If they had worked in ten years, they would not have to lie,” he remarked.
In contrast, Yogi emphasised the progress made in Uttar Pradesh, claiming the state is now seen as a model for development. “The population of Uttar Pradesh is 25 crores, and our government is providing 24-hour electricity. Electricity is being provided at ₹3 per unit in Uttar Pradesh and here it is being provided at ₹8 per unit,” he said.
INDUSTRIAL DEVELOPMENT
The UP CM also highlighted the lack of industrial growth in Delhi’s Okhla industrial area, blaming the AAP government for hindering development. He alleged that while the AAP government facilitated the settlement of illegal Bangladeshi infiltrators in the Okhla region, Uttar Pradesh’s New Okhla region (Noida) had become a thriving hub of industrial progress.
“Delhi’s Okhla industrial area is in shambles due to a lack of facilities. While AAP hindered industrial growth, they facilitated the settlement of illegal Bangladeshi infiltrators. In contrast, Uttar Pradesh’s New Okhla region is a prime example of development,” Yogi said.
Yogi’s remarks come as Delhi prepares for Assembly elections on February 5, with the ruling AAP government under increasing scrutiny. With the election just days away, the battle for Delhi’s future continues to heat up, with Yogi Adityanath framing Uttar Pradesh’s achievements as a stark contrast to the challenges faced by the national capital under AAP rule.
Delhi will go to polls on February 5 and the results will be declared on February 8. BJP, Congress and AAP are locked in a triangular contest this time.