On his 73rd birthday, Prime Minister Narendra Modi inaugurated the Dwarka Sector-21 Airport Express Line in Delhi. This new line connects the Dwarka Airport Line to Dwarka Sector 25. However, Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal was not invited to the event, which caused displeasure among AAP leaders.
Priyanka Kakkar, the National Chief Spokesperson of the Aam Aadmi Party, criticized the central government for not inviting Kejriwal. She mentioned that the Delhi government covers 50% of the expenses for the DMRC (Delhi Metro Rail Corporation). Kakkar claimed that not inviting Kejriwal shows the small thinking of the central government and their focus on self-centered politics. She emphasized that the people of Delhi do not appreciate this type of low-level politics.
AAP leader Atishi also expressed disappointment at the Prime Minister’s decision. She highlighted that the Delhi Metro is a joint venture between the central and Delhi governments, with both investing equal amounts. Atishi questioned why a top leader like Modi could not invite the Chief Minister for a two-kilometer metro line inauguration, especially when the BJP claims to be one of the world’s largest parties.
Atishi urged Modi to rise above party lines and consider himself as the guardian of state governments. She stated that not involving the Delhi government in decisions, especially for institutions like DMRC where they have invested funds, reflects a narrow-minded approach. Atishi emphasized that for Delhi’s development, the central and Delhi governments must work together.
She concluded by saying that it is the responsibility of a guardian to involve the Delhi government in decision-making and going alone for inaugurations does not uphold the dignity of the Prime Minister’s office.
