Prime Minister Narendra Modi indirectly criticised former Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal, saying that while some leaders were more concerned about luxury items like jacuzzis and fancy showers, the BJP focused on ensuring that every household had access to water.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi began his speech in a calm manner but later took an unusual step by sharply criticising Arvind Kejriwal. Just a day before the February 5 Delhi Assembly elections, he brought back his 'sheeshmahal' remark against Kejriwal. This was a rare move for PM Modi, who usually avoids direct attacks. After targeting the former Chief Minister, he shifted his focus to Rahul Gandhi, criticising the Congress leader for his party’s unfulfilled promises to the people. "Earlier, the headlines of the newspapers used to be related to scams and corruption. Ten years have passed, crores of rupees have been saved which have been used for the public. We have taken several steps which have saved a lot of money, but we have not used that money to build a 'sheeshmahal'. Instead, we have used that money to build the nation," he said while replying in Lok Sabha to the discussion on the Motion of Thanks on the President's Address.

In January, while hitting out at the former Delhi Chief Minister over corruption charges, PM Modi stated that he prioritised building homes for the poor, whereas others were busy constructing "sheeshmahal"—a reference to the alleged extravagant renovation of the Delhi CM's bungalow during Arvind Kejriwal's tenure. According to the BJP, the Public Works Department (PWD) of the Delhi Chief Minister's residence produced an inventory list that showed pricey fixtures and upgrades, including luxuries like jacuzzis and full body massagers. Former Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal once lived at the house at 6 Flagstaff Road in Civil Lines. After resigning as Delhi Chief Minister in October, Arvind Kejriwal vacated his official residence, and Atishi was chosen by the party to take over the position.

The BJP claimed that 75 Bose ceiling speakers were installed in various parts of the house, including kitchens, toilets, washing areas, and the gym. According to BJP leader Amit Malviya, the PWD's list of luxury items also included a high-tech 934-litre multi-door fridge with AI features and a 73-litre steam oven with a touchscreen. According to the BJP, the inventory list also included luxury products like saunas, full body massagers, and jacuzzis that cost Rs 20 lakh, as well as 55-77 inch TVs that cost Rs 73 lakh. "I could have built a sheeshmahal, but for me my dream was that my countrymen should get permanent houses," PM Modi had earlier said. 

PM Modi lambasted the Congress party, saying that its 'Garibi Hatao' slogan, which was popular for nearly 50 years, did not succeed. In contrast, he stated that the BJP-led Central government has helped lift about 25 crore people out of poverty. He asserted that over 12 crore restrooms were constructed to "ease the lives of women" and that four crore homes were constructed for the impoverished. "After 75 years of independence, nearly 16 crore households did not have a tap connection for water. Our government provided 'Nal Se Jal' to 12 crore households in five years," PM Modi said.

PM Modi sharpened his criticism of Rahul Gandhi, pointing out that his "boring" comment about the President's address showed his disregard for the mention of the poor in Parliament. Modi suggested that those who enjoy taking photos in slums ("jhuggis") would naturally find such references boring. "Those who have photo sessions in the huts of the poor, for their own entertainment, will find the mention of the poor in Parliament boring," PM Modi said.