New Delhi Home Minister Amit Shah on Thursday inaugurated and laid the foundation stone for a slew of development projects worth over ₹1,816 crore aimed at cleaning the Yamuna river and improving drinking water supply in the national capital.

Speaking at an event at the Keshopur Sewage Treatment Plant (STP) near Tilak Nagar, Mr. Shah took sharp digs at both the Congress and the Aam Aadmi Party (AAP), accusing them of neglecting the river and failing to deliver on their promises. “When Rekhaji became the new Chief Minister, Modiji had said that the BJP government’s top priority would be to clean Maa Yamuna. The AAPda government had said that when they come to ask for votes next time, they will take a dip in the Yamuna. But they did not do it,” Mr. Shah said.

“Parvesh Sahib Singh made a cut-out of him [a reference to AAP chief Arvind Kejriwal] and dipped it in the Yamuna. Even the cut-out fell ill and had to be admitted to Safdarjung Hospital,” he quipped.

Pollution in the Yamuna’s Delhi stretch has been a recurring election issue. Cleaning the river was a key BJP poll promise in the February 5 Assembly election, which the party won. After the results were declared, Prime Minister Narendra Modi began his victory speech with Yamuna Maiyya ki Jai (Hail Mother Yamuna).

Mr. Shah said the BJP government was determined to transform the Capital. “In a few days, Deepavali and Chhath Puja are coming. For 15 years, the Congress and for 11 years AAP kept Delhi away from development. In five years, we will build a Delhi so developed that it will be discussed across the world,” he said.

‘Corruption-free govt.’

Mr. Shah alleged that the previous AAP government was involved in scams worth ₹12 lakh crore, spanning Mohalla Clinics, CNG, liquor, advertisements, medicines, classrooms, the Delhi Jal Board, Sheesh Mahal, CCTV, and panic button projects. He contrasted this with the BJP government’s “corruption-free” record, saying no allegations had been made during Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s 11-year tenure.

Chief Minister Rekha Gupta said the projects reflected the Home Minister’s commitment to realising Mr. Modi’s vision of a Viksit and Surakshit Bharat (developed and secure India). She said 19 water and sewerage projects were being launched in Delhi, including eight modern STPs, underground drinking water reservoirs, and new sewer lines.

‘Symbol of faith’

Of the total outlay, ₹1,416.49 crore is for sewerage-related projects, ₹99.1 crore for drinking water initiatives, and ₹301.1 crore for sewer line installations, according to the Chief Minister’s Office. Ms. Gupta said earlier governments had made lofty promises about cleaning the Yamuna but failed to act. “Maa Yamuna is a symbol of our faith and existence. Keeping her pure, flowing, and vibrant is our shared responsibility. This is  an initiative of service and resolve,” Ms. Gupta said.