Delhi model failed, city residents can't distinguish between drinking and drainage water: Naidu

New Delhi, Feb 3 (PTI) – Andhra Pradesh Chief Minister and Telugu Desam Party (TDP) chief N Chandrababu Naidu launched a sharp critique of the ruling Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) in Delhi ahead of the upcoming assembly elections, branding the Delhi model as a "total failure."

Naidu, whose TDP is an ally of the NDA at the Centre, accused the AAP government of failing to develop the city’s infrastructure over the past decade. Taking a dig at the party, he termed the administration a "half-engine sarkar," suggesting that Delhi needs a double-engine government—one aligned with the Centre—for real progress.

Infrastructure and Governance Criticism​

Addressing a press conference following his campaign in the capital, Naidu pointed to severe infrastructural deficiencies, particularly in water management.

"In Delhi, you cannot differentiate between drinking and drainage water," he claimed, despite the availability of Central government schemes like AMRUT and Jal Jeevan Mission.

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He alleged that the Delhi government did not implement these initiatives simply because the credit would go to the BJP-led Centre. He also accused AAP of failing to execute the Swachh Bharat Mission, calling out the worsening pollution levels in the city.

"Weather and political pollution" are two major issues plaguing Delhi, Naidu remarked.

"Welfare Without Wealth Creation is Unsustainable"​

Advocating for a performance-based governance model, Naidu questioned the sustainability of Delhi’s welfare-driven politics.

"Without creating wealth, what is the right of a politician to distribute wealth?" he asked, proposing a national debate on wealth creation versus freebie politics.

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He criticized the lack of new development projects in the capital, arguing that Delhi, once known for career-building opportunities, is now pushing people to migrate elsewhere for jobs.

"Originally, Delhi used to be home for building careers. It was our pride. Today, nobody is coming here. People are going from Delhi to other places for livelihood and opportunities," he observed.

Liquor Policy Scam & Development Model​

Naidu also took a strong stance on Delhi’s controversial liquor policy, calling it the "worst scam" compared to other corruption cases. He recalled his own efforts in 1995 to introduce Extra Neutral Alcohol (ENA) to improve liquor quality and reduce impurities.

Pushing for a development-first approach, Naidu proposed his “P4” model – Public, Private, and People's Partnership – as a strategy to eradicate poverty. He suggested that the top 10% of high-net-worth individuals should adopt the bottom 20%, ensuring improved living standards for all.

Support for Modi and NDA’s Growth Vision​

Expressing strong support for Prime Minister Narendra Modi, Naidu backed the vision of making India a developed nation by 2047. He cited his own success with the Hyderabad model, which, according to him, has turned Hyderabad into "the most livable city" with Telangana’s highest per capita income.

"In Delhi, it is a half-engine sarkar. All these things are possible only with a double-engine government," he stated, highlighting how Andhra Pradesh is reaping benefits under NDA rule.

Naidu also credited the Central government for reviving Andhra Pradesh, which he claimed was previously on a "ventilator." While acknowledging that several projects have been sanctioned for the state, he called for further development investments.

"Right Development is Right Politics"​

Weighing in on the Congress-AAP rift, Naidu urged voters to prioritize development over ideology, arguing that sustainable economic growth should take precedence over political rivalries.

"Be on the right side, not on the left side. Otherwise, you will be ignored and isolated," he remarked, stressing that right development is right politics.

He further warned that mismanagement could derail economic progress, stating that some leaders "create wealth over decades, while others destroy it overnight."

Comparing India’s economic approach to China, Naidu underscored that economic development must transcend political ideologies for inclusive growth.

"Empower People, Don't Just Provide Welfare"​

Naidu also reflected on PM Modi’s pandemic-era welfare measures, acknowledging that even developed nations took similar steps. However, he emphasized that the government's focus should be on empowering people rather than just handing out benefits.

As Delhi gears up for assembly elections, Naidu’s remarks set the stage for a fierce political showdown, reinforcing the NDA’s call for a development-centric governance model.