Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Wednesday slammed the Congress party for neglecting Dr. B.R. Ambedkar’s contributions to India’s water resource development during the foundation-laying ceremony for the Ken-Betwa river linking project in Madhya Pradesh.

Speaking in Khajuraho, Modi emphasised that in the 21st century, nations that effectively manage their water resources are the ones that will thrive.

His remarks came in the wake of controversy surrounding Union Home Minister Amit Shah’s comments about Ambedkar, which have sparked nationwide protests by the Congress party.

Modi highlighted Ambedkar’s significant impact on water resource management, dam construction, and the development of major river valley projects alongside his role in establishing the Central Water Commission.

He accused Congress of failing to recognize Ambedkar’s contributions as a water conservationist and ignoring the pressing need for water conservation in the country.

“The critical challenge of the 21st century is water security. Only countries with sufficient and well-managed water resources will progress,” Modi stated. During the event, he also virtually inaugurated the Omkareshwar Floating Solar Project in Khandwa and laid the foundation for the Daudhan Irrigation Project, both part of the river-linking initiative.

Union Water Resources Minister C R Patil and Madhya Pradesh Chief Minister Mohan Yadav presented Modi with two urns containing water from the Betwa and Ken rivers, which he poured over a model of the project to officially commence the river linking work.

Modi said that the Congress party has historically stalled governance, claiming past Congress administrations delayed projects for 35 to 40 years after their announcement.

He asserted that the Ken-Betwa river linking project promises new opportunities for prosperity and well-being in the Bundelkhand region.

The initiative is expected to provide drinking water to nearly 44 lakh people across ten districts in Madhya Pradesh and 21 lakh in Uttar Pradesh. Benefitting around 7.18 lakh agricultural families in 2,000 villages, the project will also produce 103 MW of hydropower and 27 MW of solar energy, according to officials.

On this occasion, Modi released a commemorative stamp and coin honoring former Prime Minister Atal Bihari Vajpayee on the centenary of his birth, noting that Vajpayee’s government had advocated river linking as a solution to the country’s irrigation challenges and flooding issues.

Additionally, Modi performed a ‘bhumi pujan’ or ground-breaking ceremony for the construction of 1,153 Atal Gram Sewa Sadans, with a budget of Rs 437 crore, during the Khajuraho program.

Former Delhi Chief Minister and Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) national convenor Arvind Kejriwal on Wednesday accused the central agencies of conspiring to arrest Delhi chief minister Atishi in a fabricated case, ahead of the assembly election.

Addressing a press conference with Atishi, Arvind Kejriwal claimed that as per sources, recently there was a meeting between CBI, ED, and I-T, and they have been asked to arrest Atishi by fabricating any false case against the chief minister.

The AAP national convenor further alleged that the probe agencies have also been asked to conduct raids on him, Saurabh Bhardwaj and other AAP leaders to distract them ahead of the assembly election.

Launching a scathing attack on BJP, the AAP leader accused the party of failing to deliver results during its decade-long governance in Delhi. He said that in the last 10 years, the BJP has done no work in Delhi. He added that they are asking for votes only by criticising and abusing Kejriwal. However, the Aam Aadmi Party has a positive campaign based on the work done, he continued.

Arvind Kejriwal further emphasized recent initiatives launched by the AAP government, including the Mahila Samman Yojana and a scheme providing free medical treatment for senior citizens. He added that the AAP has announced the Mahila Samman Yojana and a scheme for free medical treatment of senior citizens. He claimed that the BJP is rattled by registrations for these schemes. He also mentioned that the Delhi cabinet has already approved the Rs 1000 allowance, and a notification has been issued.

Meanwhile, Atishi claimed that Arvind Kejriwal has credible information suggesting that the BJP is attempting to file a fabricated case against her to halt the free bus service for women in Delhi. She added that even if they arrest her, she has faith in the legal system and the Constitution. She added that despite their false accusations, she is confident that she will secure bail. The allegations come amid the heated campaign for the Delhi assembly elections.

On the occasion of the 100th birth anniversary of former Prime Minister Atal Bihari Vajpayee, Prime Minister Narendra Modi praised him as a remarkable statesman whose leadership continues to inspire countless individuals. Modi referred to Vajpayee as the “architect of India’s transition into the 21st century,” highlighting his pivotal role in setting the stage for the country’s economic growth.

In an article published across various newspapers to commemorate Vajpayee’s centenary, Modi reflected on the former prime minister’s contributions to the nation. He noted that he spent much of his lengthy parliamentary career in opposition but maintained a spirit devoid of animosity, even in the face of derogatory labels from the Congress party, which had gone as far as calling him a “traitor.”

Modi emphasised that Vajpayee remained a towering figure in Indian politics, inspiring many. He expressed gratitude for the opportunity to learn from and engage with a leader of Vajpayee’s caliber, stating that Vajpayee consistently prioritized ideology over the allure of power.

In his tribute, Modi cited a significant instance of Vajpayee’s leadership—the 1998 Pokhran nuclear tests, known as ‘Operation Shakti.’ He acknowledged that, while many leaders might have faltered under international scrutiny and pressure, Vajpayee’s resolute stance demonstrated true leadership. Modi praised the tests as a showcase of India’s scientific capabilities and a firm assertion of India’s sovereignty, reinforcing a commitment to peace despite facing global condemnation.

Further lauding Vajpayee, Modi remarked on his integrity and refusal to engage in opportunistic politics. He highlighted that Vajpayee chose to resign in 1996 rather than participate in unethical political maneuvering and that in 1999, after a narrow defeat, he opted against challenging the dubious political landscape, leading to a triumphant return with a strong mandate from the public.

Modi also noted Vajpayee’s deep commitment to the Constitution, mentioning his impactful experiences, such as being influenced by the martyrdom of Dr. Syama Prasad Mookerjee and playing a vital role in the anti-Emergency movement. The decision to merge his party, Jan Sangh, into the Janata Party ahead of the 1977 elections, though challenging, exemplified Vajpayee’s dedication to safeguarding constitutional values.

Vajpayee’s era was marked by considerable advancements in information technology, telecommunications, and connectivity. Modi credited the NDA government under Vajpayee for pioneering efforts to make technology accessible to citizens and implementing landmark infrastructure projects, including the Golden Quadrilateral, the Pradhan Mantri Gram Sadak Yojana, and significant developments related to Delhi Metro, which has become a model of world-class infrastructure.