NEW DELHI: Delhi is set for a fierce battle for 70 seats on February 5. The three parties, the ruling Aam Aadmi Party (AAP), Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) and Congress are leaving no stone unturned to woo the various sections of voters. Kejriwal’s AAP who has retained power in the union territory for the last ten years with various welfare schemes has outlined its strategy with a strong emphasis on welfare, economic growth and infrastructural development in the city.
BJP, a major player in this three-way election, is hoping to ride the wave of its recent victory in Haryana and Maharashtra. The party was able to retain both states with welfare schemes like ‘Ladli Behna Yojana’ in Maharashtra and a slew of other measures aimed at wooing the OBC community and Agniveers in Haryana. The party is hoping to repeat the same in Delhi.
Congress, looking to make a comeback after a decade, has also announced 5 key guarantees aimed at women voters, unemployed youth and senior citizens.
AAP, BJP, Congress – Who has offered what
AAP’s 15 promises in manifesto
AAP’s manifesto for the Delhi Assembly elections outlines 15 key guarantees including monthly financial support of Rs 2,100 for women, round-the-clock clean water supply, healthcare provisions for senior citizens and reduced metro fares for students by 50 per cent.
Kejriwal confirmed that the six current welfare schemes of the AAP government, including free education, healthcare, women’s bus travel, water and electricity would remain in place if the party wins the February 5 elections.
During the launch of ‘Kejriwal ki Guarantee’ manifesto, the former Delhi chief minister signed a commitment card guaranteeing immediate implementation of women’s monthly payment scheme of Rs 2,100 upon forming the government.
“I, Arvind Kejriwal, guarantee that as soon as the Aam Aadmi Party government is formed, I will first start ‘Mahila Samman Rashi Yojana’ for my mothers and sisters,” the guarantee card reads.
BJP promises 50k govt jobs, clean Yamuna
In a three-part manifesto, BJP promised to clean Yamuna within three years, extend complete ownership rights across 1,700 unauthorised colonies and provide Rs 10 lakh life insurance for gig workers, lawyers and labourers.
The party has also promised financial assistance of Rs 2,500 monthly to women from poor families under ‘Mahila Samriddhi Yojana’, LPG cylinders for Rs 500 to women from poor families, and one free cylinder each on Holi and Diwali.
Additional commitments include 50,000 government positions for youth and annual metro travel benefits worth Rs 4,000 for students in need. The party outlined plans for a Rs 20,000 crore integrated transport system, transitioning Delhi to an all-electric bus fleet with 13,000 vehicles, whilst ensuring swift completion of Delhi Metro Phase IV and round-the-clock public transport services.
The three-part BJP manifesto notably excludes specific schemes regarding free electricity and water provision. PM Modi and Union minister Amit Shah have meanwhile assured their party will not discontinue any current welfare schemes for the poor in Delhi.
Under the ‘Mukhyamantri Nirman Shramik Samman Yojana’, registered workers will receive up to Rs 10,000 for skill enhancement, toolkits and loans up to Rs 3 lakh.
Congress announces 5 guarantees, promises caste census
Hoping to come back to power in Delhi, Congress in its manifesto promised to conduct a caste census and set up a ministry for Purvanchalis if it is voted to power.
The party, which lost power to the AAP in 2013, announced several welfare schemes, including a Rs 2,500 monthly allowance for women, 300 units of free electricity to all qualifying households and subsidised LPG cylinders priced at Rs 500 along with a free ration kit.
Congress also committed to no-cost health coverage worth Rs 25 lakh and free ration packages for eligible beneficiaries.
In its comprehensive manifesto, detailing 22 key focus areas, Congress pledged financial support of Rs 8,500 monthly for a year to qualified jobless youth. Additionally, it proposed establishing 100 Indira canteens throughout the capital, offering meals at Rs 5.
The party has also promised scholarships and hostels for transgender persons and universally accessible washrooms for the community in public spaces.
Here’s a look at key promises and schemes announced by AAP, BJP and Congress for Delhi:
Source: Manifesto released by AAP, BJP and Congress