NEW DELHI: Union Home Minister Amit Shah on Thursday criticised the Congress and the Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) over their ‘Vote Chori’ campaign against the Election Commission, electronic voting machines (EVMs) and the Special Intensive Revision (SIR) of electoral rolls, saying political parties should focus on public welfare rather than street protests.
Speaking after inaugurating and laying the foundation stone for 33 Delhi Jal Board projects worth ₹8,941 crore on the outskirts of the national capital, Shah accused the Opposition of pursuing negative politics and refusing to accept electoral verdicts.
“Political leaders should stop creating a ruckus and concentrate on people’s welfare. If you want to win elections, reach out to people and understand their problems,” Shah said, warning that parties failing to deliver even in states they govern could face further electoral setbacks.
‘Vote Chori’ is an excuse for defeat
Questioning the Opposition’s allegations, Shah asked why the Congress had won elections in Himachal Pradesh, Telangana and Karnataka under the same Election Commission and EVM system.
He questioned whether democracy and electoral institutions were considered legitimate only when the Opposition won, but became questionable when it lost.
Shah further alleged that the Congress and AAP were using the ‘Vote Chori’ campaign to protect the votes of illegal immigrants. He maintained that the Narendra Modi government would continue efforts to clean up electoral rolls.
Taking an apparent dig at Congress leader Rahul Gandhi’s foreign visits, Shah said the BJP would remain in power for the next three decades, while the Opposition’s negative approach would keep it away from power.
Yamuna cleaning target set for May 2029
Shah blamed previous Congress and AAP governments for Delhi’s pollution and the deteriorating condition of the Yamuna. He said the Centre and the governments of Delhi, Haryana and Uttar Pradesh were working together to address the problems.
A three-year action plan aims to provide sewerage and clean drinking water connections to every household. The government has set a target of cleaning the Yamuna by May 2029, he said.
Shah added that more than two crore tonnes of waste had been removed from Delhi’s garbage dumps, freeing around 100 acres of land. These sites would be developed into public parks over the next two years.
BJP eyes Punjab in 2029
Accusing the AAP government in Punjab of failing to control drug abuse, Shah expressed confidence that the NDA would form the government in the state in 2029 and eliminate the drug mafia.
