EAM: Delhi should’ve been model city but it’s lagging, thanks to AAP

External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar on Sunday pitched in for BJP candidates in the Delhi poll fray, lambasting the AAP government and expressing his embarrassment at having to explain to foreign leaders “why the poor in the national capital are deprived of housing, cooking gas, water, and healthcare”.

Addressing a gathering at Jawaharlal Nehru Stadium, he launched a sharp attack on AAP. He highlighted India’s global achievements, stating, “We are sending vaccines to the world. We make cashless payments through mobile phones. The world is watching all these developments with admiration.”

However, the minister revealed that one question consistently arises during his international visits: Why are the poor in Delhi not benefiting from Central schemes that provide free ration, homes, electricity, water, and gas cylinders? “Whenever I travel abroad, foreign governments and leaders ask me to explain why such disparities exist in our Capital,” he said.

Emphasising Delhi’s significance as India’s gateway to the world, Jaishankar stated, “Delhi is the first point of contact for the global community. The image of Delhi reflects the image of the entire country. It should have been a model city, showcasing the best of India. Unfortunately, over the past decade, Delhi has lagged behind.”

He attributed this failure to the AAP government, asserting, “It’s not that Delhi has fallen behind — it’s that the people of Delhi have been denied their rightful benefits.”