“Could Have Built a Sheeshmahal, But…”: PM Modi Criticises Arvind Kejriwal at Housing Inauguration Event

PM Modi inaugurates 1,675 flats under the In-Situ Slum Rehabilitation Project and takes a jab at Delhi CM’s lavish residence controversy.

January 3, 2025: New Delhi: Prime Minister Narendra Modi inaugurated 1,675 flats for Jhuggi Jhopri (JJ) cluster residents and two urban redevelopment projects in Delhi. The event, held in Ashok Vihar, marked the completion of the second successful In-Situ Slum Rehabilitation Project by the Delhi Development Authority (DDA).

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While addressing the gathering, PM Modi took a sharp swipe at Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal, referring to allegations of extravagant expenditure on the CM’s official residence.

“The country knows it well that Modi never built a home for himself but has built more than 4 crore houses for the poor; ‘mai bhi koi sheeshmahal bana sakta tha’ (even I could have built a Sheeshmahal),” said PM Modi.

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This remark alluded to reports of exorbitant spending on Delhi CM’s bungalow, including luxury appliances and designer interiors worth crores, which have been at the center of political controversy.

PM Modi’s Remarks on Governance in Delhi:

PM Modi criticized the AAP government, referring to it as a “calamity on Delhi.” He said:
“In the last 10 years, Delhi is surrounded by an ‘aapada’ (disaster). By keeping Anna Hazare at the front, a few ‘kattar beimaan’ (extremely dishonest) people have pushed Delhi towards ‘aapada’. ‘AAP aapada bankar Delhi par toot padi hai’ (AAP has descended as a calamity on Delhi).”

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He emphasized India’s growing economic and political stability, projecting 2025 as a landmark year for the country’s global manufacturing ambitions.

Details of the Housing Initiative:

The Swabhiman Apartments in Ashok Vihar will now house families previously living in slum clusters, as part of the government’s ‘Housing for All’ initiative. PM Modi personally handed over keys to the beneficiaries.

• The central government spent ₹25 lakh per flat.
• Beneficiaries contributed less than 7% of the total cost, around ₹1.42 lakh, with ₹30,000 allocated for five years of maintenance.

Additional Urban Redevelopment Projects:

PM Modi also inaugurated:

1. World Trade Centre (WTC) at Nauroji Nagar: Replacing 600 old quarters with modern commercial towers featuring 34 lakh sq. ft. of premium space.
2. GPRA Type-II Quarters at Sarojini Nagar: Featuring 2,500 residential units with eco-friendly designs, solar waste compactors, and rainwater harvesting systems.

Political Context:

The housing and redevelopment projects come ahead of Delhi Assembly elections, expected in February. With these initiatives, the BJP aims to solidify its presence in the capital, targeting urban development and housing as key electoral planks.

Key Takeaways:

• 1,675 Flats Inaugurated: Under In-Situ Slum Rehabilitation Project.
• Sharp Political Jab: PM Modi criticizes Kejriwal’s expenditure on his official residence.
• Redevelopment Projects: Focus on housing and modern commercial infrastructure.

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Tags:
PM Modi Delhi Housing Project, Sheeshmahal Remark PM Modi, Arvind Kejriwal Controversy, Swabhiman Apartments Inauguration, Delhi Urban Redevelopment, DDA Housing Project, Delhi Assembly Elections 2025.