The Arvind Kejriwal-led government in Delhi has come under fire from the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) for allegedly spending a significant amount of money on advertisements while neglecting the improvement of facilities for the people. Gaurav Bhatia, a spokesperson for the BJP, criticized Kejriwal for spending Rs 1106 crore on advertisements in the past three years but claiming a lack of funds for projects like the Regional Rapid Transit System (RRTS).
The Delhi government had been asked by the Supreme Court to provide information regarding the amount of money spent on advertisements over the past three financial years. The government had earlier informed the court that it was unable to contribute funds to the construction of the RRTS due to a shortage of funds. The Delhi government’s share towards the RRTS Project was supposed to be Rs 1138 crore.
Bhatia accused Kejriwal of being dishonest and prioritizing advertisements over projects that would benefit the people. He highlighted the contradiction between the government’s ability to finance advertisements and its alleged inability to fund important infrastructure projects such as the RRTS. The Supreme Court has requested the government to submit an affidavit detailing the amount spent on advertisements in the last three years.
In response to the BJP’s criticism, the AAP-led government accused Bhatia of corruption, citing an alleged excise policy scam that occurred during his tenure in Delhi.
This ongoing exchange between the BJP and AAP reflects the contentious nature of politics in Delhi. While the BJP accuses the Kejriwal government of prioritizing self-promotion, the AAP accuses the BJP of corruption. As the case regarding the RRTS funding unfolds, it remains to be seen how the Supreme Court will evaluate the information and statements provided by both parties.
It is crucial for the government to focus on the needs and priorities of the people. Adequate funding for essential facilities, such as transportation systems, is necessary to ensure the well-being and progress of a growing city like Delhi. The government should allocate its resources effectively, prioritizing projects that will have a lasting impact on the lives of its citizens.
The ongoing debate surrounding the expenditure on advertisements versus investments in infrastructure reveals the broader issue of resource allocation and governance in Delhi. It is imperative for the government to strike a balance between promoting its achievements and fulfilling the basic needs of the people. Regardless of the political rhetoric, the true test lies in delivering on promises and providing better facilities and services for the people of Delhi.
