PM Modi vows to clean Yamuna, improve Delhi’s urban infra after BJP’s poll victory

Speaking at the BJP headquarters in New Delhi following the party’s landslide victory in the Delhi Assembly elections, Modi criticised the outgoing AAP government for failing to maintain roads, keep the city clean, and restore the Yamuna’s condition, calling it a betrayal of public trust.

"I had pledged during the election campaign that we will make Yamunaji the identity of Delhi. I know this is a challenging task that will take time. Regardless of the effort required, we will do everything possible to serve the Yamuna," he was quoted as saying by PTI.

The BJP clinched 48 of the 70 seats, ending its 26-year absence from power in the national capital and dealing a decisive blow to the AAP, which had governed Delhi since 2013.

The Yamuna’s pollution had emerged as a key election issue, with former Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal accusing Haryana of contaminating the river.

Modi, in turn, held AAP responsible for the lack of action on environmental and civic issues, including poor road conditions, overflowing sewers, garbage accumulation, and air pollution.

Highlighting the benefits of a "double-engine" BJP government, he asserted that urbanisation should be seen as an opportunity rather than a burden, with cities serving as a means to uplift the poor and marginalised.

Calling Delhi the country’s gateway, Modi stressed the need for world-class urban infrastructure.

He noted that, for the first time since Independence, BJP governments now control Delhi and its surrounding states—Uttar Pradesh, Haryana, and Rajasthan—creating new prospects for the National Capital Region’s (NCR) development.

"Our focus will be on mobility and infrastructure across this entire region in the coming years," he added.

Modi also highlighted the BJP’s track record in expanding the metro network in Delhi, modernising transport in other cities, and launching initiatives that have benefited the middle class.

He pointed to schemes like Startup India as game-changers for professionals and entrepreneurs from smaller cities.