Delhi CM Rekha Gupta pushes city as model for ‘Viksit Bharat’ vision

Delhi chief minister Rekha Gupta said on Saturday her government aims to create a development model for the capital that other states will seek to emulate, focusing on speedy decisions and timely project completion. Addressing the Delhi government's Independence Day function at Chhatrasal Stadium, Gupta said decisions taken in Delhi could direct the entire country and asserted her government was committed to setting new benchmarks in governance.

Gupta also cautioned the youth against what she called 'urban Naxals', saying India had to fight a '2.5 front war' against external enemies and internal elements that insult the country and its armed forces. The Times of India reports she urged young people to channel their energy into nation-building and startups rather than limiting themselves to social media. Hindustan Times adds that Gupta cited over 1.8 million pink cards issued to women for free bus travel and 4,500 electric buses deployed.

Lieutenant governor Taranjit Singh Sandhu, at a separate event, called on Delhi to become a national model of excellence and safety as part of Prime Minister Narendra Modi's 'Viksit Bharat@2047' vision, according to the Times of India. Sandhu listed priorities including cleaning the Yamuna, tackling air pollution, and affordable healthcare. The next step awaits coordinated action between Union and Delhi governments, municipal bodies, and neighbouring states.