Delhi polls: Make ‘right choice’, says Jaishankar

The Union minister lamented the lack of progress in infrastructure, stating that many key initiatives had not materialised in the city.
S Jaishankar during an interaction with students at Hansraj College
S Jaishankar during an interaction with students at Hansraj CollegePhoto | PTI
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NEW DELHI: Ahead of high-stakes Assembly polls, External Affairs minister S Jaishankar on Thursday criticised the state of civic infrastructure in the national capital and urged the youth to make the “right choice” for their future, emphasising that a ‘Viksit Delhi’ is central to the vision of ‘Viksit Bharat’.

Speaking at Delhi University’s Hansraj College, Jaishankar highlighted the stalled progress in key areas such as housing and water supply, stressing that the national capital should set a benchmark for development. “Delhi has a very important responsibility because it is the capital of the country.

When the world thinks about India, they look at Delhi. Whatever they experience here, they take it with them,” he said, at an interactive programme on ‘Youth for a Viksit Bharat’.

“Viksit Rajdhani, Viksit Delhi is central to ‘Viksit Bharat’. From Delhi, we set a standard. It should be a model for the country,” he added.

The Union minister lamented the lack of progress in infrastructure, stating that many key initiatives had not materialised in the city. He expressed concern that certain crucial initiatives and programmes have not been implemented in Delhi. “Delhi has been deprived of housing facilities. Many live without a water connection,” Jaishankar said, adding, “In the last five years, I have seen so many issues. Unauthorised colonies have no roads, no water supplies.”

In what appeared to be a veiled attack on the AAP-led Delhi government’s welfare policies, the minister criticised the culture of making unfulfilled promises.

Asked about his views on ‘freebies’, Jaishankar remarked, “If I go around making promises which are not serious, for which I have made no planning, and possibly have no intention to deliver on them, I call that a freebie.”

Jaishankar also called on the youth to actively participate in politics as informed decision-makers, urging them to cast their vote on February 5,

“If you think something else is more important now, then five years later, don’t complain about roads not being repaired or bridges not being built. These issues arise because at the right moment you did not step forward to make the right choice,” the minister said.

“Don’t take a free pass on your future,” Jaishankar added cautioning students.

‘Viksit Delhi’ central to vision of ‘Viksit Bharat’

Speaking at Hansraj College, Jaishankar highlighted Delhi’s importance in realising the vision of a developed India. “Delhi, as the national capital, carries a special responsibility. When people from other countries visit Delhi, their impression of India is shaped by what they see here,” Jaishankar said, adding that “Viksit Delhi is central to ‘Viksit Bharat’. It should be a model for the country and beyond.”

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