Chandrababu Naidu Slams AAP, Calls Delhi a ‘Failed Model’ and Criticizes ‘Half-Engine’ Government

On the final day of campaigning for the Delhi Assembly elections, Andhra Pradesh Chief Minister and key BJP ally N. Chandrababu Naidu launched a sharp attack on Arvind Kejriwal’s Aam Aadmi Party (AAP). He accused AAP of governance failures, claiming there was no distinction between drainage water and drinking water in Delhi under its rule. He also dismissed the AAP-led administration as a “half-engine government.”

Campaigning for the BJP in Delhi on Sunday, Naidu criticized AAP’s welfare policies, arguing that economic growth must precede any discussions on welfare distribution.

“Delhi is a failed model—there’s no doubt about it. Only those who create wealth have the right to discuss welfare. Without wealth creation, how can you talk about distributing welfare? Delhi is the most polluted capital in the world—who is responsible? Every day, it is sinking deeper into poverty. This model is unacceptable. Delhi needs Narendra Modi ji’s model now,” he stated at a press conference, as reported by news agency ANI.

‘AAP’s Governance is a Total Failure’

Naidu also raised the issue of the alleged Delhi liquor policy scam, which led to Kejriwal spending several months in jail.

“Can you imagine that AAP governs two states—Delhi and Punjab? Is this not a completely failed model? In Delhi, there is no difference between drainage water and drinking water. AAP talks about corruption, yet the liquor scam is one of the worst. This governance model is not good for the country. Moving forward, we must debate whether politicians who fail to create wealth should even have the right to talk about distributing it,” he added.

‘Delhi Suffers from Weather and Political Pollution’

Naidu further claimed that the people of Delhi were suffering due to both “weather pollution” and “political pollution,” saying both posed serious health risks.

“In the past 10 years, governance in Delhi has completely failed. Without creating wealth, what right do politicians have to talk about welfare?” he questioned.

He reiterated that Delhi’s governance under AAP was ineffective and that the city needed a “double-engine government” for true development.

Delhi Election: BJP Aims to End AAP’s Dominance

As a crucial BJP ally, Naidu’s Telugu Desam Party (TDP) plays a significant role in supporting the party at the Centre.

The election for Delhi’s 70-member assembly is scheduled for February 5, with results set to be declared on February 8. The BJP is looking to unseat AAP, which secured massive victories in the last two elections, winning 62 and 67 seats, respectively.