Rajnath Singh Accuses AAP of Rejecting Central Aid to Avoid Credit to Modi Government

New Delhi, Feb 2 (PTI) – Defence Minister Rajnath Singh on Sunday accused the AAP-led Delhi government of deliberately refusing central assistance to avoid giving credit to the Narendra Modi-led Union government.

Addressing an election rally in Rajendra Nagar, Singh asserted that India's economy had flourished under the BJP’s governance, but Delhi failed to reap the benefits due to the state's leadership.

"The BJP has not had the opportunity to serve Delhi for a long time… As a result, the city has not seen the development it deserves," he stated.

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Highlighting India's economic progress under Modi, Singh noted that the nation had moved from being the 11th largest economy in 2014 to the fifth largest today. He questioned why Delhi should be left behind in this growth trajectory.

"The Delhi government refuses to take the Centre’s help. We do not discriminate against any state, but the chief minister fears that Modi ji will get the credit," he alleged.

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Criticism of Arvind Kejriwal and AAP’s Political Evolution​

Singh also targeted Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal, accusing him of failing to step down despite being jailed in the liquor policy case. He revisited Kejriwal’s role in the India Against Corruption movement, claiming that the AAP leader defied Anna Hazare’s advice against forming a political party.

"During the anti-corruption movement, Kejriwal and his associates assured the public that they wouldn’t enter politics. But Anna Hazare repeatedly urged them not to betray people’s trust," Singh remarked.

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The defence minister further accused Kejriwal of failing to fulfill his promises to the people of Delhi.

Attack on Congress and Rahul Gandhi​

Turning his attention to the Congress, Singh dismissed the party’s influence in Delhi politics. He mocked Congress leader Rahul Gandhi’s past statements, particularly his assertion that he would never compromise with the BJP.

"Did anyone ask you to compromise with the BJP?" Singh quipped, taking a jibe at Gandhi.

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He also criticized Congress president Mallikarjun Kharge for his recent comments regarding the Maha Kumbh festival, questioning whether similar remarks would be made about other religions.

BJP’s Promise for Delhi​

Singh assured voters that if the BJP came to power in Delhi, it would continue all existing schemes introduced by the AAP government.

"I am here to appeal to you—save Delhi. What has the AAP government done to it?" he urged.

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The Delhi Assembly elections for 70 seats are scheduled for February 5, with counting to take place on February 8.