Union Home Minister Amit Shah on Thursday, October 22, 2026, criticised Opposition parties, including the Congress and the Aam Aadmi Party (AAP), declaring that protests and demonstrations would not change the political outcome. He also expressed confidence that the National Democratic Alliance (NDA) would form the next government in Punjab.

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Shah made the remarks in New Delhi while inaugurating and laying the foundation stones for 43 Delhi Jal Board projects worth ₹8,941 crore aimed at rejuvenating the Yamuna River.

The projects are intended to support efforts to clean the river and improve Delhi’s water and wastewater infrastructure. The event brought together the government’s infrastructure agenda and its broader political messaging ahead of future elections.

During his address, Shah asserted that the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) would seek the public’s mandate in 2029 after rejuvenating the Yamuna. His statement linked the river-cleaning initiative to the party’s political commitments and its bid to demonstrate progress on environmental and civic issues.

Shah’s criticism of the Congress and AAP reflects continuing political tensions between the BJP and its opponents. His remarks also highlighted the NDA’s ambitions in Punjab, where the alliance hopes to expand its political influence.

The ₹8,941-crore package covers 43 projects associated with the Delhi Jal Board. River pollution has remained a significant civic and environmental concern in the capital, making the Yamuna’s rejuvenation an important public policy issue.

The announcement places renewed attention on the relationship between infrastructure delivery and electoral politics. While the government has highlighted the scale of its planned investment, the impact of the projects will depend on their implementation and measurable improvements in river water quality.

Shah’s statements underline the BJP’s intention to use development initiatives to strengthen its political message as it looks toward future electoral contests.