As the Delhi elections draw closer, political parties are leaving no stone unturned in their campaigns. Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath recently addressed a public rally in support of BJP candidate Bajrang Shukla in Kirari. During his speech, Yogi took a sharp dig at the Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) government and its leader, Arvind Kejriwal, using the example of the ongoing Mahakumbh in Prayagraj as a contrasting symbol of governance.
Yogi Challenges Kejriwal on the Yamuna’s State
Highlighting the clean and flowing waters of the Ganga in Prayagraj, Yogi Adityanath criticized the dire state of the Yamuna in Delhi. “Yesterday, you must have seen me and 54 of my ministers taking a holy dip at the Sangam in Prayagraj. As a Chief Minister, if I and my ministers can take a dip in the pure waters of the Ganga, I challenge Arvind Kejriwal to take his ministers to the Yamuna and do the same,” Yogi said with a touch of sarcasm.
Accusing the AAP government of neglecting the Yamuna, he added, “Under Kejriwal’s rule, the Yamuna has been turned into a filthy drain. While Prayagraj’s Ganga flows pristine, the condition of the Yamuna here is shameful.”
“Roads or Craters?” Yogi Questions Delhi’s Infrastructure
Yogi did not stop at the Yamuna and went on to criticize Delhi’s infrastructure. “Are there roads in Delhi, or are there craters with a hint of asphalt? They don’t want to work on basic amenities for the public. Their only daily activity is to tweet in the morning and mislead people through press conferences,” he quipped.
He also accused the AAP of appeasement politics, claiming, “This government is busy distributing resources to illegal settlers and harboring Rohingyas in Delhi instead of working for the welfare of the citizens. Look at Delhi—garbage heaps everywhere, overflowing sewers, and potholed roads. In contrast, Uttar Pradesh has become a model state.”
Delhi’s Decline vs. Noida’s Rise
Yogi drew a sharp comparison between Delhi and Noida, showcasing the latter as an example of effective governance. “There was a time when people would come to Delhi for better roads, metro services, and healthcare. Today, look at Noida—its roads, infrastructure, and cleanliness outshine Delhi. The Yamuna’s condition here not only affects Delhiites but also the people of Mathura and Vrindavan downstream.”
He further alleged that the AAP government’s focus was misplaced, stating, “They didn’t bring industries to Okhla, but they ensured settlements of illegal immigrants from Bangladesh.”
Raking Up Past Riots and Broken Promises
Yogi also reminded the crowd of the 2020 Delhi riots, alleging AAP’s involvement. “We all saw how the riots were pre-planned and executed. Even an AAP councilor was implicated. Is this the governance they promise?” he asked.
Comparing Uttar Pradesh’s achievements to Delhi’s shortcomings, Yogi claimed, “With a population of 25 crore, Uttar Pradesh is providing 24-hour electricity at ₹3 per unit, while here in Delhi, people are paying ₹8 per unit. The AAP promised to give ₹1,000 to women in Punjab but failed to deliver. Those same women are now protesting outside Kejriwal’s house. If he couldn’t fulfill his promises there, how will he do it here?”
“Selective Welfare”: Yogi’s Criticism of Religious Bias
Accusing the AAP of playing religious politics, Yogi said, “They promise salaries to mosque clerics but have never thought of the development of temples. If you want to see real progress, come to Kashi Vishwanath and witness how we have transformed it.”
The Battle of Narratives
Yogi Adityanath’s fiery speech at Kirari is part of BJP’s larger narrative of portraying itself as a party of development and cultural pride while accusing the AAP of failing to deliver basic governance. By juxtaposing the grand arrangements of the Mahakumbh with the alleged mismanagement in Delhi, Yogi aimed to underline the stark difference between the two administrations.
As the elections near, such sharp exchanges between parties are expected to intensify. For voters, the key question remains—will rhetoric shape their decisions, or will the focus shift to tangible development and governance? Only time will tell who wins this battle of narratives.
