New Delhi, Feb 3 (PTI): As Delhi gears up for the upcoming assembly elections, Andhra Pradesh Chief Minister and Telugu Desam Party (TDP) chief N Chandrababu Naidu launched a sharp attack on the ruling Aam Aadmi Party (AAP), criticizing its governance and branding the much-publicized Delhi model as a "total failure."
Naidu, whose TDP is an ally of the ruling NDA at the Centre, took a dig at the Arvind Kejriwal-led government, saying that Delhi is operating with a "half-engine sarkar" and requires a "double-engine government" for real development.
Naidu Slams Infrastructure Deficiency in Delhi
Speaking to reporters after an election campaign in the national capital, Naidu highlighted the lack of progress in infrastructure, particularly in the last decade under AAP’s rule. He pointed out severe water quality issues, alleging that residents "cannot differentiate between drinking and drainage water," despite initiatives like AMRUT and Jal Jeevan Mission from the Centre.“Has there been any major infrastructure project in Delhi in the last 10 years? The Metro came long back, but nothing significant has been done since then,” Naidu remarked.
The Andhra Pradesh CM also accused the AAP government of prioritizing welfare politics over actual development. "Without creating wealth, what is the right of a politician to distribute wealth?" he questioned, calling for a national debate on the issue.
"Delhi Used to Build Careers, Now People Are Leaving"
Drawing from his political experience since 1978, Naidu lamented the decline of Delhi as a career-building hub."Originally, Delhi was a place for people to build their careers. It was our pride. Today, nobody is coming here. Instead, people are leaving the city for better opportunities elsewhere," he observed.
Liquor Policy and Governance Criticism
Naidu also took aim at the controversial Delhi liquor policy, calling it "the worst scam" in comparison to other corruption cases. He referenced his own governance in Andhra Pradesh, recalling his 1995 initiative to introduce Extra Neutral Alcohol (ENA) to improve liquor quality and reduce impurities.Proposing the "P4" Model for Development
Advocating for a sustainable and development-driven approach, Naidu proposed his "P4" model—Public, Private, and People’s Partnership—as a solution to eradicate poverty. He suggested that the top 10% of wealthy individuals should support the bottom 20% to uplift overall living standards.Expressing his confidence in Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s leadership, Naidu backed the vision of making India a developed nation by 2047. He cited the success of his Hyderabad model from 1995, which, according to him, transformed Hyderabad into "the most livable place" with the highest per capita income in Telangana.
"Right Development is Right Politics"
Taking a jab at the Congress-AAP alliance, Naidu stressed that development should take precedence over ideology."Be on the right side, not on the left side, then you can move forward. Otherwise, on the left side, you will be ignored and isolated," he remarked, underscoring that "right development is right politics."
The Andhra CM reiterated that sustainable wealth creation is essential to fund welfare schemes, cautioning against policies driven solely by populism.
"Some people have created wealth in 30 years and managed everything. Some others come and destroy it all. Who benefits from this? We need to discuss this. Development must continue and should not be derailed by policies aimed at mere popularity," he asserted.
Referring to Modi’s governance during the COVID-19 pandemic, Naidu acknowledged the necessity of welfare measures but emphasized that empowering people should remain the primary focus.
With the Delhi assembly elections approaching, Naidu’s remarks add to the growing political heat, positioning the NDA and TDP as strong advocates of development-oriented governance over populist policies.