As Delhi heads to polls on February 5, the political landscape is buzzing with promises, strategies, and manifestos. With the narrative focused around ‘freebies’, the three major political contenders – AAP, BJP and Congress – have unveiled their manifestos, each targeting key voter concerns and outlining their vision for the national capital.
Following the footsteps of the Arvind Kejriwal-led AAP, which is eyeing a third straight term in power, the BJP and Congress also announced numerous freebies on the same lines to gain traction among voters.
As the poll temperature in the national capital continues to rise, here’s a comparison of the promises made by the three contending parties on various metrics.
Cash transfers to women
Women voters are perceived to have played a pivotal role in ensuring BJP’s victory in the Maharashtra Assembly polls held last year. Hence, keeping the focus on them, the parties have promised a range of doles for the 71,73, 952 women electors in the national capital.
AAP: After announcing in the 2024-2025 budget that Delhi government would provide Rs 1,000 per month to every woman above the age of 18, weeks before the elections, the Aam Aadmi Party promised to raise the amount to Rs 2,100 if voted back to power.
BJP: BJP, which has been critiscising the AAP over freebies, also announced Rs 2,500 a month for women if it comes to power in Delhi. It also promised to provide pregnant women with six nutritional kits and financial assistance of Rs 21,000. It has also announced an increase in pension for widows from Rs 2,500 to Rs 3,000. The BJP also promised to pay maternity leave for domestic workers.
Congress: The Congress has also promised a monthly financial aid of Rs 2,500 to women under the proposed ‘Pyaari Didi Yojana’.
Healthcare
AAP: The party has promised that under its Sanjeevani Yojana, senior citizens aged 60 and above will receive treatment free of cost in both government and private hospitals.
BJP: The BJP has promised to implement Ayushman Bharat scheme in the national capital, provide health cover of Rs 10 lakh for senior citizens and poor families, and set up mobile health units in underserved areas.
Congress: Congress has promised a health insurance cover of Rs 25 lakh to all Delhi residents under its Jeevan Raksha Yojana.
Electricity
AAP: free electricity up to 200 units and 50 per cent subsidy rebate if the total consumption in month goes above 200 units. BJP: the party has promised to retain all the existing schemes. Congress: Taking a step further, Congress has announced 300 units of free electricity.
LPG Subsidy
AAP: Has not promised anything in this regard. BJP: Subsidy of Rs 500 per cylinder and free cylinder on Holi and Diwali. Congress: has promised to provide cylinder in Rs 500 and free ration kits.
Public Transport
AAP: Expanding its free bus service to women, the party has now promised the same to all male students studying in school and colleges.
BJP: The party has promised that the free bus service to women will continue if it comes to power.
Congress: Has not promised anything in this regard.
Pension For Senior Citizens
AAP: The party has promised Rs 2,000 per month to senior citizens aged between 60 and 69, and Rs 2,500 for those aged 70 and above and also those who are aged between 60 and 69 from the SC/ST community.
BJP: The party has promised to increase the pension payout from Rs 2,000 to Rs 2,500 for those aged between 60 and 69, and from Rs 2,500 to Rs 3,000 for those aged 70 and above.
Congress: No promise made in this regard.
Other ‘unique’ promises
AAP: In December 2024, Arvind Kejriwal announced five guarantees for auto drivers in Delhi ahead of assembly elections. Among the key guarantees are Rs 1 lakh for marriage of daughters and life insurance worth Rs 10 lakh.
The party has also promised to cover tenants in Delhi under its free electricity and water scheme.
Arvind Kejriwal also announced that if AAP retains power in Delhi, Resident Welfare Associations (RWA) will be given money to hire private security guards.
BJP: The party has announced Rs 21,000 and six nutrition kits for every pregnant woman under the 'Chief Minister Matritva Suraksha Yojana'.
Through Atal Canteens, the party has promised nutritious meals to poor at Rs 5.
Congress: The party has promised to implement ‘Yuva Udaan Yojana’ which will provide Rs 8500 to youths without job for a year.
It has also promised free ration kits every month for every family with rice, sugar, cooking oil, grains, and tea in it.
As the campaigns intensify, it’s evident that the parties are addressing similar issues but with varying approaches and priorities. The choice before Delhi’s voters will hinge on whether they value AAP’s grassroots initiatives, BJP’s ambitious development agenda, or Congress’ welfare-driven promises.
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