On Tuesday, Prime Minister Narendra Modi officially opened the Delhi-Dehradun Economic Corridor, a development that Delhi Chief Minister Rekha Gupta hailed as a significant achievement of the ‘double-engine’ government.
Gupta, alongside Public Works Department (PWD) Minister Parvesh Sahib Singh, Delhi BJP president Virendra Sachdeva, and other prominent party figures, participated in the inauguration event held virtually from Dehradun.
Characterizing the event as noteworthy, Gupta stated that the expressway, which has been constructed at an investment of approximately Rs 12,000 crore, is projected to cut travel time between Delhi and Dehradun from about 6-7 hours to merely 2-2.5 hours. This improvement is expected to alleviate commuter burdens and stimulate both tourism and economic activities.
Emphasizing efforts to transform the urban landscape of Delhi, she mentioned that nearly Rs 1.25 lakh crore worth of projects are currently underway in the capital under the auspices of the Union Ministry of Road Transport and Highways.
Moreover, the Chief Minister articulated that the expressway transcends a simple roadway project; it serves as a crucial connection between Delhi’s contemporary infrastructure and the spiritual essence of Uttarakhand, often referred to as Devbhoomi. “It represents a genuine fusion of development and devotion,” she remarked.
Gupta further noted that improved collaboration between the central government and the Delhi administration is facilitating the city’s rapid advancement. She highlighted that several significant road projects, including Kalindi Kunj junction, MB Road, Rohta Road, and the Munak Canal projects, have been transferred to the National Highways Authority of India (NHAI) for enhanced maintenance and quicker upgrades.
Additionally, Gupta mentioned that the Haryana government has approved a proposed elevated road project along the Munak canal, estimated to cost around Rs 5,000 crore, which is anticipated to ease congestion significantly. This project will also be implemented by NHAI.
In a sharp critique of former Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal, Gupta accused him of undermining democratic institutions and lacking accountability. “While Delhi and the nation progress in unison, I have observed that former CM Kejriwal has taken on the role of a lawyer, now seeking judicial intervention to defend himself,” she stated.
She alleged that anyone who dared to criticize Kejriwal faced repercussions from him. “Whether it is the CBI, Enforcement Directorate (ED), the Election Commission, the Prime Minister, or the Lieutenant Governor—he has cast doubt on all of them. When confronted with criticism, he resorts to attacking these fundamental pillars of democracy. Today, he targets the judiciary, all the while failing to contribute to Delhi’s development,” she contended.
“I question what fears drive him to challenge such strong institutions of democracy. The public is witnessing his actions, and they trust in the judiciary, which will uphold justice. I want to remind them that he is betraying the public’s trust,” Gupta added.
Her remarks follow Kejriwal’s recent call for Justice Swarna Kanta Sharma of the Delhi High Court to withdraw from hearing the CBI’s appeal concerning the excise policy case.
In response to Gupta’s statements, Saurabh Bharadwaj, the leader of Delhi’s AAP, remarked, “Just two days prior, Chief Minister Rekha Gupta made a highly inappropriate comment about a lower court judge, suggesting that judgments are reached through ‘setting.’”
“Consequently, Chief Justice of India, Justice Suryakant, should take immediate notice and initiate criminal contempt proceedings regarding this matter. The court must establish a precedent to deter any Chief Minister from openly labeling a judge of a CBI special court as corrupt,” Bharadwaj asserted.
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