New Delhi, Feb 2 (PTI) – Uttarakhand Chief Minister Pushkar Singh Dhami has called for a "double-engine" government in Delhi, asserting that a BJP-led administration at both the state and central levels would accelerate the capital’s development. Addressing a campaign rally in Bawana on Sunday, Dhami strongly criticized the Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) government, accusing it of hindering progress while lauding the Narendra Modi-led central government’s initiatives.
Income Tax Relief for the Middle Class
Highlighting the Union Budget’s tax reforms, Dhami emphasized that the increase in the income tax exemption threshold from ₹7 lakh to ₹12 lakh will directly benefit nearly one crore middle-class residents in Delhi. The move, he stated, is a testament to the Modi government's commitment to uplifting the common man.Infrastructure Boom Under Modi Government
Dhami showcased the extensive infrastructure projects undertaken in the last decade, claiming that developments that had stalled since India’s Independence were now being fast-tracked.- Delhi Metro Expansion: The network has doubled from 190 km to 400 km in 10 years, with 135 new stations added. The much-anticipated Red Line extension, passing through Bawana, has been approved.
- Delhi-Dehradun Expressway: The new expressway, once completed, will reduce travel time to just 2.5 hours, making air travel between the two cities nearly redundant.
Sharp Attack on AAP Governance
Taking a direct swipe at the AAP government, Dhami labeled it an "AAPda" (disaster) for Delhi, accusing it of misleading people and obstructing crucial development projects. He further slammed Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal for not implementing the Ayushman Bharat scheme, which provides free medical treatment to citizens across the country.Promises Fulfilled in Uttarakhand, Uniform Civil Code Implemented
Dhami cited Uttarakhand’s achievements under BJP rule, particularly its decision to implement a Uniform Civil Code (UCC)—a promise made ahead of the 2022 state elections. He also highlighted the state's drive to free 5,500 acres of encroached land, emphasizing the BJP’s commitment to governance rooted in cultural preservation and law enforcement.Allegations of Corruption: AAP vs. Congress
Calling AAP more corrupt than Congress, Dhami accused Kejriwal's party of breaking its own anti-corruption promises.- Liquor Policy Scandal: He alleged that AAP prioritized opening liquor vends instead of 500 promised schools and was involved in a multi-crore liquor scam, which led to the imprisonment of the then Chief Minister and his deputy.
- Yamuna Pollution Politics: Dhami also ridiculed AAP’s repeated pledges to clean the Yamuna River, pointing out its recent allegations against Haryana, where AAP claimed the state government had "mixed poison" in the river to cover up its own failures.
