PM Modi lays foundation for new DU campuses, accuses Delhi govt of 'damaging' education system

Prime Minister Narendra Modi virtually laid the foundation stones for two new Delhi University campuses and a college named after Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) ideologue Veer Savarkar.

Addressing a public meeting at Ashok Vihar's Ramlila Ground, he sharply criticized the ruling Aam Aadmi Party (AAP), accusing them of failing the education sector in Delhi.

"Those who have been in power for the last 10 years have damaged school education," said PM Modi, highlighting that despite substantial central government funding, the Delhi government had failed to utilize even half of the allocated funds for education.

The PM also unveiled several other infrastructure projects for the capital during the foundation-laying event.

He announced the construction of a new college in Najafgarh, dedicated to Veer Savarkar, emphasizing the role of historical figures in shaping the nation's future.

"Even after independence, such works (New Education Policy) were not done, but 'aapke sevak ne kar diya,'" Modi remarked.

With an investment of over ₹600 crore, the initiative aims to modernize educational facilities and expand opportunities across Delhi.

Criticizing AAP national convener Arvind Kejriwal, Modi said, "In the last 10 years, Delhi has been surrounded by an 'Aapda.' By keeping Anna Hazare at the forefront, a few 'kattar beimaan' people have pushed Delhi towards 'Aapda.' 'AAP aapda bankar Delhi par toot padi hai.'"

PM Modi continued, "Ye AAP, ye 'aapda,' Delhi par aayi hai, and hence the people of Delhi have waged a war against 'aapda.' Voters of Delhi have made up their minds to free Delhi from this 'aapda.' Every voter of Delhi is saying, 'Aapda ko nahi sahenge, badal ke rahenge.'"

As part of DU’s efforts to expand its presence across the city, the East campus at Surajmal Vihar and the West campus at Dwarka Sector 22 are being added to the existing North and South campuses.

An estimated ₹373 crore will be spent on the development of the 15.25-acre East Campus, which will offer multidisciplinary courses, including LLB, LLM, and an integrated five-year LLB curriculum.

With a total built-up area of 59,618 square meters, the campus will feature 60 classrooms, 10 tutorial rooms, 6 moot courts, 4 computer labs, 2 cafeterias, and 2 common areas.

In the first phase, a new academic block will be constructed at the West Campus, with a ₹107 crore investment.

It will include 42 classrooms, 2 moot courts, a digital library, conference rooms, seminar halls, and separate common areas for boys and girls on its 19,434.28-square-meter plot.

PM Modi also laid the foundation for Veer Savarkar College in Roshanpura, Najafgarh, located just a five-minute walk from the West Campus.

With an anticipated cost of ₹140 crore, the college will have a built-up area of 18,816.56 square meters, featuring 24 classrooms, 8 tutorial rooms, 40 faculty rooms, department libraries, conference rooms, and a canteen, among other modern amenities.

The PM further criticized AAP over the pollution of the Yamuna River, saying, "Every resident of Delhi can see the situation of the Yamuna. Look at their (AAP’s) shamelessness. What kind of 'aapda' is this? They say cleaning Yamuna won't get them votes—will you leave Yamuna like this if it doesn't get you votes?"

"This 'aapda' has given the tanker mafia control over the lives of Delhi residents," he added.

Delhi Chief Minister Atishi retaliated, claiming that the BJP had no plans for the upcoming assembly elections.

"BJP has no agenda for elections. BJP has been in power at the center for 10 years. They have a budget of lakhs of crores. They should tell us one thing they have done for the people of Delhi; they have not done any work," said Atishi.

“Today, they have no vision for Delhi; they have no CM face. AAP has worked for the people of Delhi for 10 years,” she added.