With the Delhi Assembly elections just days away, Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Sunday addressed a campaign rally in RK Puram, hailing the Union Budget as the most beneficial for the middle class in India’s history. He claimed that the Budget, presented by Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman on Saturday, has brought relief to millions of households, reinforcing his slogan of “Modi ki guarantee.”
“Never since Independence have those earning up to ₹12 lakh annually received such a significant relief. The middle class is calling this the most friendly Budget ever,” PM Modi claimed, underscoring the BJP’s commitment to taxpayers.
Asserting that the middle class plays a vital role in national progress, the Prime Minister said that the Budget is a testament to the BJP’s recognition and appreciation of honest taxpayers. His remarks came as the BJP ramped up its campaign efforts, scheduling 80 rallies across the capital on Sunday.
AAP Under Fire as BJP Pushes for Comeback
The BJP, out of power in Delhi for 27 years, is locked in a fierce contest with the ruling Aam Aadmi Party (AAP). Modi used the rally to launch a scathing attack on AAP, accusing it of failing the people of Delhi.
Slamming the Arvind Kejriwal-led government for “false promises and corruption,” Modi alleged that its policies have led to the closure of factories and economic distress. “Those who looted the people will have to be held accountable,” he said, vowing strict action against corruption.
Referring to defections from AAP to the BJP, Modi said, “We are seeing how, ahead of the elections, the straws of the ‘jhadoo’ (broom) are scattering.” The broom is AAP’s election symbol.
He warned voters against re-electing AAP, calling it an “AAP-da government” (a play on ‘Aapda’, meaning disaster in Hindi). “Delhi must not make the mistake of giving AAP another five years to destroy the city,” he said.
‘Basant of Development’ and BJP’s Delhi Push
Linking his campaign message to the festival of Basant Panchami, Modi said, “Just as Basant Panchami marks a change in season, February 5 will bring a new ‘Basant’ of development to Delhi. The BJP is forming the next government.”
During his speech, Modi engaged with the crowd, prompting them with, “Entire Delhi is now saying—ab ki baar,” to which supporters responded, “Modi sarkar.”
Later, in a post on X, he asserted, “Delhiites trust only the BJP because we deliver on our promises. The massive turnout in RK Puram shows that the ‘Lotus’ will bloom in Delhi.” The lotus is the BJP’s election symbol.
As the campaign enters its final stretch, the BJP is banking on the Budget’s middle-class appeal and an anti-corruption narrative to challenge AAP’s decade-long rule. With just three days left until voting, both parties are intensifying their outreach to voters.
