PM Modi Launches Delhi Projects, Targets Arvind Kejriwal: ‘I Don’t Build Sheesh Mahal, I Build Houses’

Last Updated:January 03, 2025, 14:56 IST

PM Modi today laid the foundation for two Delhi University campuses and a college named after Veer Savarkar, alongside inaugurating key housing and infrastructure projects in Delhi.

PM Modi during the foundation stone laying and inauguration ceremony of various developmental projects in New Delhi (Photo: PTI)

Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Friday virtually inaugurated two urban redevelopment projects – the World Trade Centre at Nauroji Nagar and GPRA Type-II Quarters at Sarojini Nagar, along with the CBSE’s Integrated Office Complex at Dwarka. He also laid the foundation stone of Veer Savarkar College at Roshanpura, Najafgarh.

The Prime Minister also inspected some newly constructed flats for the dwellers of Jhuggi Jhopri (JJ) clusters under the In-Situ Slum Rehabilitation Project at Swabhiman Apartments, Ashok Vihar, Delhi. He later handed over the keys of the flats to the beneficiaries.

He also interacted with Economically Weaker Section (EWS) families in the area.

PM MODI SAYS HE LIVED IN ASHOK VIHAR

Soon after launching the projects, the Prime Minister, while addressing a public meeting in Ashok Vihar’s Ramlila Ground, said, “Today, India has become a symbol of political and economic stability. This role of India will strengthen even more in 2025. This year will be the year to strengthen India’s position in the world. It will be the year of making India one of the biggest manufacturing centres in the world…”

“When I am here today, it’s obvious to remember many old memories. When the country was fighting against Indira Gandhi’s dictatorship. For many people like me who were part of the underground movement, Ashok Vihar used to be a place for me to live,” the Prime Minister said.

“The country knows it well that Modi never built a home for himself but has built more than four crore houses for the poor,” PM Modi said.

Also speaking on the inauguration of the new college in Delhi, PM Modi said, “A new college in the name of Veer Savarkar is going to be built in Najafgarh. Those who have been in power in Delhi for the last 10 years – have damaged school education. The money that the central govt has given to Delhi – the current govt of Delhi hasn’t even spent half of that money in education.”

PM MODI’s ATTACK ON ARVIND KEJRIWAL

Addressing the public rally, PM Modi also targetted former Chief Minister and Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) convenor Arvind Kejriwal, and said, “Main bhi koi sheesh mahal bana sakta tha…” (I could have also build a palace of mirrors).

“Even after Independence, such works (New Education Policy) were not done, lekin aapke sevak ne kar diya… (but your servant has done it).

“In the last 10 years, Delhi has been surrounded by an ‘aapda‘ (disaster). By keeping Anna Hazare at the front, a few ‘kattar beimaan‘ (bluntly dishonest) people have pushed Delhi towards ‘aapda‘,” he said, adding, “AAP aapda bankar Delhi par toot padi hai.” (The AAP has affected Delhi like a disaster).

“The people of Delhi have waged a war against this ‘aapda‘. Voters of Delhi have made up their minds to free Delhi from this ‘aapda‘. Every voter of Delhi is saying, ‘aapda ko nahi sahenge, badal ke rahenge’.” (We won’t tolerate the disaster).

“The people of Delhi can see the situation of Yamuna. Look at their (AAP’s) shamelessness, they say that cleaning Yamuna won’t get them votes – will you leave Yamuna like this if it doesn’t get you votes?” the Prime Minister asked, adding, “This ‘aapda‘ has handed the lives of the people of Delhi to the hands of tanker mafia.”

PM MODI CALLS THIS ‘AN IMPORTANT DAY’

Announcing his plans today morning, the Prime Minister termed the day “important” and said that the national capital has made a mark as a hub for education.

In a series of X posts, the Prime Minister today wrote, “Today is an important day for Delhi’s development. At a programme in Ashok Vihar, will be inaugurating and laying the foundation stones for a wide range of development works which will boost ‘Ease of Living’ for the people of Delhi.”

“A home is where dreams take root, and we are committed to ensuring proper housing for every Indian. During today’s programme, 1,675 newly constructed flats under the In-Situ Slum Rehabilitation Project will be inaugurated. This will ensure better and healthier living for several people. I look forward to handing over the keys of their homes to some of the beneficiaries as well,” he added.

“Key infrastructure projects which will be inaugurated include the World Trade Centre (WTC) at Nauroji Nagar and the General Pool Residential Accommodation (GPRA) Type-II Quarters at Sarojini Nagar. The Quarters at Sarojini Nagar will benefit our hardworking Government employees, whose relentless dedication is a great contribution to national progress,” the Prime Minister wrote on X.

“Delhi has made a mark as a hub for education, drawing students from all over India. During today’s programme, will lay the foundation stone for three transformative projects worth over Rs. 600 crore. These initiatives aim to strengthen the academic infrastructure and provide world-class learning environments for students.”

“The projects include a cutting-edge academic block at the Eastern Campus in Surajmal Vihar, East Delhi, and another at the Western Campus in Dwarka. Additionally, the foundation will be laid for the Veer Savarkar College in Roshanpura, Najafgarh, designed to embody excellence in education with state-of-the-art facilities,” PM Modi’s X post read.

Hours later, the Prime Minister shared a video, and captioned it, “Empowering the people of Delhi with better opportunities and quality of life remains our unwavering commitment, reflecting in the projects being inaugurated today!”

The development comes a day after the Congress-affiliated National Students’ Union of India (NSUI) wrote to Prime Minister Narendra Modi, urging him to name Delhi University’s upcoming college after former Prime Minister Manmohan Singh, instead of Veer Savarkar.

The letter was also forwarded to Union Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan, requesting immediate action.

Manmohan Singh, who passed away last month at the age of 92 at AIIMS Delhi, was a veteran leader of the UPA government and a transformative figure in Indian politics.