AAP unveils bold promises in Delhi election manifesto

In the lead-up to next week's Delhi elections, the Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) has unleashed a fresh wave of promises aimed at securing the city's future, and, more importantly, its voters. Party chief Arvind Kejriwal unveiled the latest iteration of his election manifesto, outlining 15 key assurances under the banner of “Kejriwal ki guarantees.” These guarantees are positioned as a direct counter to the Bharatiya Janata Party’s (BJP) “Modi ki guarantees,” offering a tantalizing mix of freebies and welfare schemes.

Among the most striking promises: free bus rides across Delhi’s public transport network and a 50% discount on Metro fares for all school and college students. This, however, is just the tip of the iceberg. Kejriwal went on to list his party's vision for the next five years, assuring voters that these guarantees are not empty promises, but actionable policies that will shape the capital's future.

Empowering women, uplifting youth

A major focal point of the manifesto is the empowerment of women. Kejriwal reintroduced the “Mahila Samman Yojana,” which will provide Rs 2,100 per month to eligible women, aimed at bolstering their financial independence. Adding fuel to the fire, the AAP leader also extended free bus travel and discounted Metro fares to women students, a move sure to resonate with Delhi’s large student population.

Job creation, healthcare, and more

The manifesto also touches on employment, with a promise to create ample job opportunities. Kejriwal also highlighted the introduction of the “Sanjeevani” scheme, which would provide free medical treatment to residents, another ambitious goal to ease the financial burden on families dealing with healthcare costs.

But perhaps the most striking promises came on infrastructure and public services. AAP assured that, if re-elected, it would fulfill its earlier pledges to clean the Yamuna, ensure 24-hour drinking water supply to every household, and pave European-standard roads across the city. Admittedly, these were promises made in the 2020 election but were delayed due to the pandemic and political battles with the BJP, Kejriwal said.

He added, nodding to the challenges the party has faced since the last election, including high-profile arrests of senior AAP figures such as Manish Sisodia and Satyendra Jain.

“We are ready to deliver these promises now, despite the hurdles we faced,”

Aiding Dalit students and religious leaders

Kejriwal’s manifesto also promises to cover the cost of education, travel, and accommodation for Dalit students pursuing higher education abroad. Under the “Dr. BR Ambedkar Scholarship,” these students would receive support for studying at international universities, an initiative that could provide a significant boost to marginalized communities.

Additionally, the AAP has promised Rs 18,000 per month to temple and gurudwara priests, acknowledging their vital role in the spiritual life of the city.

The battle of manifestos: AAP vs BJP

As Delhi’s political battle heats up, the AAP and BJP have been locked in a war of manifesto releases. While AAP has focused on welfare and social empowerment, the BJP’s promises have centered around education. The BJP recently declared it would provide free education from preschool to post-graduate level for needy students, along with a cash handout of Rs 15,000 for those appearing for entrance exams.

Yet, Kejriwal was quick to highlight a flaw in the BJP’s offer. He pointed out that the BJP’s promise of free education in Delhi government schools would only apply to “eligible children,” potentially creating bureaucratic hurdles. Kejriwal retorted:

“Under AAP, everyone gets free education, no questions asked. We believe in inclusivity, not in making people jump through hoops at BJP offices,”