Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Sunday hit out at Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) convener Arvind Kejriwal, labeling the AAP government as an ‘AAP-da’ (disaster) and claiming it has hindered development in Delhi over the past decade. He emphasised that only the BJP could elevate Delhi to a world-class capital and urged citizens to support the BJP in the forthcoming Assembly elections.

Speaking at a BJP Parivartan rally at Japanese Park in Rohini, PM Modi expressed confidence that the BJP’s electoral symbol, the lotus, would flourish in Delhi. He declared, “The BJP is the only party that can transform Delhi into the finest capital city globally. This is the opportune moment to earn the trust of Delhi’s citizens and eliminate this ‘AAP-da’ from our city.”

PM Modi asserted that the public’s trust in the BJP is growing, fueled by the party’s commitment to development initiatives. He stated that Delhi has suffered under ‘AAP-da’ for the last ten years, urging, “I appeal to the people of Delhi to grant the BJP a chance for a prosperous future. The last decade of governance has been equivalent to ‘AAP-da’. Now we can only hear, ‘AAP-da nahi sahenge, badal ke rahenge’ (we won’t tolerate this disaster, we want change for good) in Delhi.”

He criticized the AAP for lacking a developmental vision and accused them of being anti-people. “It saddens me that the ‘AAP-da’ government has squandered ten years of the people’s potential. This government possesses no forward-looking plans for Delhi,” he remarked. He highlighted that all significant developments in Delhi, including the expansion of the Delhi Metro and the construction of highways and flyovers, have been initiated by the central government rather than AAP.

In reference to the controversial renovations of the Delhi Chief Minister’s residence during Kejriwal’s tenure, PM Modi pointed out that while residents struggled with the Covid-19 pandemic, the ‘AAP-da’ government focused on creating a lavish ‘sheeshmahal’ (palace). Allegations suggest that Kejriwal used around ₹45 crore for these renovations, which included exorbitant costs for curtains and flooring.

PM Modi contrasted this with the central government’s allocation of funds to assist the poor in building homes under the Pradhanmantri Awas Yojana. He also criticized Kejriwal’s claim of being ‘kattar imaandaar’ (staunchly honest), alleging that AAP leaders have been involved in numerous misdeeds and lack genuine concern for the public.

He concluded by asserting that the AAP is becoming increasingly desperate as it faces potential defeat in the upcoming Delhi elections, claiming their attempts to mislead the public are a sign of their flawed intentions and disloyalty towards the electorate. The elections for the 70-member Delhi Assembly are anticipated to occur next month, with the AAP aiming for a third consecutive term while the BJP seeks to reclaim power after a 27-year absence. The Congress party is also attempting to regain its influence following significant losses in previous elections.

Actor Raghav Tiwari, recognised for his performance in ‘Crime Patrol’, was recently assaulted by a biker following a road collision in Mumbai on December 30, specifically in the Versova area.

Tiwari stated that he exited his friend’s vehicle and began to cross the road when he inadvertently struck the accused biker. Despite promptly apologising, the biker responded with aggression, leading to a confrontation. “I asked him why he was abusing me, and in his anger, he dismounted his bike and stabbed me twice. He then kicked me in the stomach, causing me to fall,” Tiwari recounted.

The assailant further slapped the actor. In an effort to defend himself, Tiwari picked up a piece of wood and struck the biker’s hand, which resulted in the attacker dropping a liquor bottle. This incited further violence, as the biker retaliated by striking Tiwari’s head with an iron rod twice before fleeing the scene.

Tiwari’s friends promptly transported him to a nearby hospital for medical care. He described the assailant as resembling a “professional knife attacker”.

Following the incident, Tiwari approached the police to file a complaint, his head bandaged from the injury. Reports indicate that the accused is named Mohammad Zaid, and a case has been lodged against him under sections 118 (1) and 352 of the Indian Penal Code.

Tiwari alleged that the police dismissively handled his situation, failing to register the case properly in accordance with the evidence provided. He expressed frustration that, despite reviewing CCTV footage, no action was taken against the accused, who remains at large.

Additionally, he claimed that the accused was Zaid, allegedly the son of director Parvez Shaikh. Tiwari has an extensive career, having appeared in numerous Bollywood films, web series, and television shows.

Ramesh Bidhuri, the BJP candidate for Delhi’s Kalkaji constituency, stirred controversy on Sunday by stating that he would smooth the “roads of the constituency as smooth as Congress MP Priyanka Gandhi Vadra’s cheeks” if he wins the upcoming Assembly elections.

Congress responded by denouncing Bidhuri’s comments as “shameful,” labeling the BJP as an “anti-woman party,” and asserting that his remarks reflected a deeply troubling mindset.

Congress spokesperson Supriya Shrinate urged the BJP’s leadership to seek forgiveness from Priyanka Gandhi.

Bidhuri reportedly said that RJD chief Lalu Prasad Yadav’s past assertion that he would make Bihar’s roads as smooth as the cheeks of actress Hema Malini. In defense of his remarks, Bidhuri emphasised, “Isn’t Hema Malini a woman? Hema Malini is far superior to Priyanka Gandhi when it comes to achievements in life.”

Continuing her attack, Congress spokesperson Supriya Shrinate asserted that Bidhuri’s comments illustrated both his mentality and the character of the BJP.

Additionally, Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) MP Sanjay Singh criticized Bidhuri, questioning the BJP’s respect for women. He commented, “This is BJP’s candidate, listen to his language, this is BJP’s respect for women. Is the respect of Delhi’s women safe in the hands of such leaders?”

Speaking to ANI, Singh deemed Bidhuri’s comments about a senior Congress leader as “very unfortunate,” highlighting that the women of Delhi must recognise the kind of security they could expect under BJP leadership.

This incident is not an isolated one for Bidhuri, who has faced backlash for controversial statements before.

In 2023, he made communal remarks against BSP MP Danish Ali in the Lok Sabha, which were widely criticized as inappropriate for a parliamentarian. Following that incident, he expressed “regret” over his comments.

Congress leader Pawan Khera also slammed BJP leader Ramesh Bidhuri’s remarks, describing his mentality and the values of the Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS) as troubling. He shared a viral video of Bidhuri on X, highlighting the issue.

Shrinate also targeted Prime Minister Narendra Modi regarding his comments about “mangalsutra” made in the context of the upcoming Lok Sabha Elections 2024.

Congress spokesperson Supriya Shrinate questioned whether BJP women leaders, including Women Development Minister, party president JP Nadda, or the Prime Minister, would address this inappropriate language and mindset. She referred to Modi as the originator of this “anti-women language,” pointing out his usage of terms like “mangalsutra” and “mujra,” suggesting that such language influences the attitudes of those within his party.