Prime Minister Narendra Modi virtually laid the foundation stones for two new Delhi University campuses and a college named after BJP ideologue Veer Savarkar. The projects, part of an educational expansion plan with over Rs 600 crore in investment, aim to enhance educational opportunities in the national capital.
Speaking at the foundation-laying ceremony in Ashok Vihar, PM Modi criticized the ruling Aam Aadmi Party (AAP), claiming they had “damaged school education” over the past 10 years. He pointed out that despite significant funds allocated by the central government, the Delhi government had failed to utilize even half for education. Modi emphasized the efforts of his government in implementing the New Education Policy and said, “Even after Independence, such works were not done, but your servant has done it.”
Modi also slammed AAP over the pollution in the Yamuna river, accusing the party of neglecting it because cleaning it wouldn’t bring them votes. He described AAP as a “disaster” for Delhi, highlighting the party’s failure in addressing the issue and its alignment with the “tanker mafia” that controls the water supply.
The newly announced projects include:
- East Campus at Surajmal Vihar: Developed at Rs 373 crore, this 15.25-acre campus will offer law programs and other multidisciplinary courses with modern facilities such as classrooms, moot courts, computer labs, and cafeterias.
- West Campus at Dwarka Sector 22: Built at Rs 107 crore, this academic block will house classrooms, a digital library, seminar halls, and more.
- Veer Savarkar College at Roshanpura, Najafgarh: Estimated at Rs 140 crore, this college will provide state-of-the-art classrooms, faculty rooms, and conference rooms.
In response, Delhi Chief Minister Atishi accused the BJP of lacking a real agenda for the upcoming assembly elections. She criticized Modi’s government for its inaction in Delhi over the past 10 years, questioning what the BJP had done for the people of the city.
Modi continued his attack on AAP, likening them to a “disaster” (aapda) for Delhi, claiming that under their leadership, Delhi had been pushed into crisis. He expressed confidence that Delhi’s voters were determined to free the city from AAP’s grip and bring about change.
The upcoming Delhi assembly election is expected to see intense competition, with both parties attempting to sway public opinion on issues like education, pollution, and governance.
