Congress is using its star campaigner Priyanka Gandhi Vadra to try and woo women and youth vote, while also reaching out to old loyalists of party in the national capital.
In a last minute push, Priyanka has been deployed to garner support for the grand old party across the city. As part of the outreach, she addressed several rallies and help public contact programs in Chandni Chowk and New Delhi constituencies
The Congress is upbeat at her active involvement in the electoral campaign and hopes to bring voters back, which had been taken away by AAP.
Last evening, Priyanka Gandhi Vadra, the General Secretary of the All India Congress Committee, held a vibrant Jansabha in the New Delhi constituency area, rallying support for Congress candidate Sandeep Dikshit in the upcoming Delhi Assembly Elections.
The event, which attracted a large crowd, was seen as a crucial step in galvanizing the party’s base ahead of the crucial polls.
Photo : Naveen Bansal
Addressing the gathering in Pilanji village in Delhi, Priyanka Gandhi criticized the current Delhi government and Central government for failure to deliver on promises made to the city’s residents.
“These two came to power by lying. They told the public that they are honest and will ensure their safety. But only these two have progressed, while the public has been left behind,” she said.
“One is about to hand over the entire country to Adani-Ambani, and the other is building a palace for himself. Therefore, now you must recognize these people,” she added.
She emphasized the growing concerns around unemployment, lack of basic infrastructure, and the increasing cost of living. “The people of Delhi deserve better governance,” she stated.
The rally also witnessed enthusiastic support from Congress workers, who waved flags and chanted slogans, showing strong backing for the party’s campaign. Priyanka Gandhi’s appearance was seen as a significant boost to the Congress’ efforts to reclaim power in Delhi, where the party has faced tough competition from both the Aam Aadmi Party and the Bharatiya Janata Party.
With just weeks remaining before the elections, Congress hopes that today’s event will energize voters and secure a strong foothold in the upcoming polls.
The 70-member Delhi Assembly is scheduled to go for polls on February 5 and the results will be announced on February 8.
Union finance minister Nirmala Sitharaman on Saturday announced exemption on 36 life-saving drugs from Basic Customs Duty (BCD), in her budget 2025 address in the Parliament.
These drugs include essential medicines used to treat cancer and other rare diseases.
“To provide relief to patients, particularly those suffering from cancer, rare diseases and other severe chronic diseases, I propose to add 36 lifesaving drugs and medicines to the list of medicines fully exempted from Basic Customs Duty (BCD). I also propose to add 6 lifesaving medicines to the list attracting concessional customs duty of 5 percent. Full exemption and concessional duty will also respectively apply on the bulk drugs for manufacture of the above,” the Finance Minister.
She further stated, “Our Government will facilitate setting up of Day Care Cancer Centres in all district hospitals in the next three years. 200 Centres will be established in 2025-26.”
The minister also specified drugs and medicines under Patient Assistance Programmes run by pharmaceutical companies are fully exempt from BCD, provided the medicines are supplied free of cost to patients.
“I propose to add 37 more medicines along with 13 new patient assistance programmes,” she added.
In July last year, after the Lok Sabha elections, the Health Ministry was allocated INR 90958.63 crore in the Union Budget 2024-25. The Ministry has witnessed a hike of 12.9 per cent over 80,517.62 crore in the Budget (revised estimates) for 2023-2024
The union finance minister Nirmala Sitharaman proposed various development measures for nurturing innovation while presenting the budget 2025 in the Parliament on Saturday.
She announced to set up Fifty thousand Atal Tinkering Labs in government schools in the next five years to cultivate the spirit of curiosity and innovation, and foster a scientific temper among young minds.
The minister also proposes to provide broadband connectivity to all government secondary schools and primary health centres in rural areas under the Bharatnet project.
On higher education, she stated that the total number of students in 23 IITs has increased 100 percent from 65,000 to 1.35 lakh in the past 10 years. “Additional infrastructure will be created in the 5 IITs started after 2014 to facilitate education for 6,500 more students. Hostel and other infrastructure capacity at IIT, Patna will also be expanded,” she said.
Sitharaman has proposed to implement a Bharatiya Bhasha Pustak Scheme to provide digital-form Indian language books for school and higher education.
“I had announced three Centres of Excellence in Artificial Intelligence for agriculture, health, and sustainable cities in 2023. Now a Centre of Excellence in Artificial Intelligence for education will be set up with a total outlay of INR 500 crore,” the minister said.
She also announced to allocate INR 20,000 crore to implement private sector driven Research, Development and Innovation. In the next five years, under the PM Research Fellowship scheme, provision of ten thousand fellowships for technological research in IITs and IISc with enhanced financial support is also proposed in the Budget.
Jairaj Bhattacharya, Co-Founder & CEO, ConveGenius.AI said the budget 2025 marks a defining moment for India’s education landscape, with a strong push towards AI-driven learning, skilling, and digital accessibility.
“The INR 500 crore Centre of Excellence for AI in Education will accelerate innovation while expanding Atal Tinkering Labs and broadband in schools will help bridge digital divides at scale,” he said.
Ankit Aggarwal, Founder & CEO, Unstop said that the Union Budget 2025’s strong push for skilling, innovation, and employment-led development is a welcome move for India’s young workforce. “There is a huge scope for freshers and early-career professionals to equip themselves with industry-ready capabilities with the establishment of five National Centres of Excellence for skilling and global skilling partnerships. This is a big win for the freshers who have packages less than INR 12 Lakh, as now they’ll not have to give any tax and can focus on long term savings from the beginning,” he added.
In a relief to the electric vehicle (EV) industry, the union finance minister Nirmala Sitharaman on Saturday announced significant tax exemptions to promote the production of lithium batteries and related sectors, in her union budget 2025-26 address in the Parliament.
The significant move can be seen as the government’s effort to enhance local manufacturing and cut down the dependency on imports.
The materials which are vital for manufacturing batteries, semiconductors, and renewable energy equipment including cobalt, lithium-ion battery scrap, lead, zinc, and 12 other critical minerals have been exempted from the Basic Customs Duty (BCD).
This initiative is expected to result in cheaper EV batteries, making electric vehicles more affordable. It will also lower production costs, boosting domestic manufacturing. A stronger local industry will reduce dependence on China and other countries, supporting growth in clean energy and aiding India’s renewable energy goals.
Ayush Lohia, CEO, Lohia lauded the move by the government and said that the government’s initiatives to support MSMEs and boost manufacturing are a welcome move.
“The National Manufacturing Mission is a significant step towards furthering Make in India. Focus on clean tech manufacturing, particularly in areas like solar PV cells, EV batteries, and wind turbines, will help reduce India’s dependence on imports and promote sustainable development. The expanded fund-of-funds and Production Linked Incentive schemes will provide a much-needed boost to the sector. Overall, I believe the budget has taken significant steps towards promoting entrepreneurship, innovation, and sustainable growth,” Lohia said.
Hari Kiran, COO & Co-founder, eBikeGo said that the budget presents a promising future for the automotive sector, especially for MSMEs, by addressing critical pain points such as GST rates, import duties on components, and providing key incentives for electric vehicle adoption.
“The allocation for infrastructure development, particularly in roads and transportation, is bound to boost automotive demand. For MSMEs, which are at the heart of the component manufacturing ecosystem, the provisions for working capital support, technology upgradation, and easier credit access are vital. These measures will not only ensure the survival of these businesses but also drive their growth, fostering innovation and sustainability in the sector,” he added.
Meanwhile MD, Daewoo India, HS Bhatia said, “The exemption of lithium batteries from the Basic Custom Duty will give a fillip to the electric vehicle industry and encourage sustainable development.”
The Delhi Assembly elections have turned into a race of promises, with the Aam Aadmi Party (AAP), the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP), and the Congress all offering voters a smorgasbord of freebies in what is shaping up to be a high-stakes contest. In its manifesto, “Kejriwal ki Guarantee,” AAP presents 15 promises, ranging from job creation and cash handouts for women to free healthcare for senior citizens. The party also pledges 24/7 clean drinking water for all households, a cleaner Yamuna River, and scholarships covering all expenses for Dalit students studying abroad. Furthermore, AAP vows free bus and metro travel for students and the construction of world-class roads.
The BJP’s manifesto, under the banner of “Vikasit Dilli Sankalp Patra,” is equally ambitious. It promises the Mahila Samriddhi Yojana, an expanded Ayushman Bharat scheme, and Rs 10 lakh health insurance for senior citizens and economically disadvantaged families. The BJP also proposes free electricity for up to 200 units, along with Rs 500 subsidy on LPG cylinders, including a free cylinder during festivals like Holi and Diwali.
Not to be outdone, Congress has matched the BJP’s cash transfer for women with the “Pyari Didi Yojana,” which offers Rs 2,500 per month. The party also promises up to 300 units of free electricity, surpassing both AAP and BJP’s schemes. For healthcare, Congress is offering a whopping Rs 25 lakh health insurance for all residents under the “Jeevan Raksha Yojana.” Additionally, Congress echoes the BJP’s promise of subsidized LPG cylinders at Rs 500.
A common thread running through these promises is a special focus on women, who have become a decisive voting bloc in recent elections. AAP plans to increase financial assistance under its “Mukhyamantri Mahila Samman Yojana” from Rs 1,000 to Rs 2,100 per month. The BJP counters with its “Mahila Samriddhi Yojana,” promising Rs 2,500 to women in Delhi. Meanwhile, Congress is rolling out its “Pyari Didi Yojana,” offering similar aid at Rs 2,500 per month.
For Congress, the challenge lies in balancing its alliance within the INDIA bloc, where partners like Mamata Banerjee, Hemant Soren, and Akhilesh Yadav have openly backed AAP and its leader Arvind Kejriwal. This political complexity makes Congress’s position even more precarious as it tries to appeal to women while also aligning with its allies.
Tehelka’s cover story, “Parties Play Street Smart,” delves into how political parties are deploying unconventional tactics to sway voters. Investigations by Tehelka’s Special Investigation Team (SIT) reveal that traditional street plays, once aimed at raising social awareness, are now being co-opted by parties to further their electoral agendas. At times, these tactics even cross ethical boundaries.
The BJP, in particular, is working hard to outplay AAP, especially in the wake of its underwhelming performance in the 2024 Lok Sabha elections. The party has been relentless in challenging AAP, including filing a complaint with the Election Commission (EC) over Kejriwal’s claims that the Yamuna River is being poisoned. The EC has since demanded evidence for this accusation, forcing Kejriwal to clarify his remarks.
Despite the challenges, all eyes remain on Delhi’s political landscape, where Arvind Kejriwal, even in the interregnum, still pulls the strings of governance. The BJP has seized on issues such as corruption charges linked to AAP’s alleged role in the liquor policy scandal, the renovation of Kejriwal’s official residence, and other accusations to pressure the party. As the election campaign intensifies, these controversies will continue to fuel debate and will undoubtedly shape the outcome when votes are counted on February 8.
With today’s Union Budget, Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman has provided much needed relief to the middle class of the country.
There will be no income tax payable up to Rs 12 lakh – up to Rs 12.75 lakh including standard deductions – under the new regime, Sitharaman said as she read out the Union Budget 2025.
The tax relief is expected to consumption and increase purchasing power of the middle class.
Sitharaman also announced revisions to the tax slabs (applicable to the new regime only).
Under the revised slab, tax on income between Rs 8 and Rs 12 lakh will be 10 per cent.
Between Rs 12 lakh and Rs 16 lakh it will be 15 per cent.
Between Rs 16 lakh and Rs 20 lakh it will be 20 per cent.
Between Rs 20 lakh and Rs 25 lakh it will be 25 per cent.
Above Rs 25 lakh and Rs 25 lakh it will be 30 per cent.
All of this, Ms Sitharaman said, will “substantially reduce the tax burden on the middle class”.
The tax relief is also expected to boost the Bharatiya Janata Party’s electoral prospects in the forthcoming Delhi Assembly polls. The tax relief is also expected to create a wide ranging goodwill for the ruling National Democratic Alliance government.
The 70-member Delhi Assembly is scheduled to go for polls on February 5 and the results will be announced on February 8.
Union Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman unofficially launched the electoral campaign for state Assembly polls, which is scheduled to go for polls later this year, with a slew of proposals and announcements for Bihar in today’s budget including financial support for the Western Kosi canal project in the Mithilanchal region of Bihar. Other proposals include National Institute of Food Technology, creation of Makhana Board and increasing capacity of IIT Patna.
The 243-member Bihar Legislative Assembly is set to go for polls later this year. The National Democratic Alliance, is in power in the state and the budget announcements are likely to aid the alliance in forthcoming polls, sources pointed out.
Over the past few months Bihar government, led by Chief Minister Nitish Kumar, had been lobbying with the Centre for more sops for the state ahead of the crucial polls.
Nitish Kumar, also known to shift political sides frequently, had rejoin led the NDA ahead of 2024 Lok Sabha polls.
These budget proposals can also be seen as payback for JDU’s critical support to the BJP, after the latter fell short of the majority mark in the 2024 general election.
And the slew of proposals are being seen as an attempt by the Centre to ensure that Nitish-led NDA, cones back to power in the crucial Bihar polls.
In her budget speech, the Minister proposed to establish a National Institute of Food Technology in Bihar, which will boost food processing in eastern India. “It will generate employment for the youth, ” she said in Parliament.
A Makhana Board will be established in Bihar, the biggest producer of the cadh crop, to improve the production, processing, value addition and marketing of Makhana. The people engaged in these activities will be organised into FPOs. The Board will provide hand-holding and training support to Makhana farmers and will also work to ensure they receive the benefits of all relevant government schemes, she added.
The Finance Minister further said that the capacity of Indian Institute of Technology in Patna will be increased as part of the capacity expansion in IITs through the addition of additional infrastructure in five IITs for 6,500 more students.
The Finance Minister also announced greenfield airports in Bihar, a brownfield airport in Bihta, besides the expansion of the Patna airport.
With an eye on Bihar polls, Nirmala Sitharaman also presented Budget in Madhubani saree.
With the Delhi assembly elections around the corner, political parties are turning to street theatre, using Nukkad Nataksto sway voters, sometimes crossing ethical lines. Tehelka SIT takes a closer look at this evolving poll tactic.
“I have worked for Prashant Kishor’s team and performed many nukkad nataks [street plays] during the 2014 Lok Sabha elections, when he was working for the BJP. In that election, I handled four constituencies—Agra, Akbarpur, Azamgarh, and Rampur. Out of these, the BJP won three seats. I can say with certainty that nukkad nataks played a vital role in influencing voters,” Dharamveer Mishra, a nukkad natak artist, told Tehelka’s undercover reporter.
“Previously, nukkad nataks were used to spread social awareness. Nowadays, they are employed by political parties to serve their agendas during elections. It doesn’t require a big crowd or stage—you can go anywhere, perform, and convey all political agendas in just ten minutes of play. With two different teams, you can perform at two locations simultaneously without any difficulty,” said Anurag Dwivedi, another theatre artist who has provided his services to various parties.
“When I was performing nukkad nataks for the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) during the last General Elections in Delhi, many in the audience openly spoke against the BJP. However, when the election results were announced, the BJP emerged victorious in all seven Lok Sabha seats in Delhi. This demonstrates that our nukkad nataks played a role in influencing voters in favour of the BJP,” said Shashank Sasha, a theatre artist, while speaking to Tehelka’s reporter.
“However in future, I will not perform nukkad nataks for the BJP because they demand extensive proof of the street plays we conducted for them during elections before releasing payments. We worked for the BJP during the recently held Jammu & Kashmir assembly elections, but our experience with them was not good,” said Anurag Dwivedi.
“If you want a nukkad natak campaign contract from the Aam Aadmi Party or Congress, you need to approach the candidates directly, as these parties don’t handle such matters centrally. On the other hand, with the BJP, you can secure a contract for street plays only through their headquarters,” said Shashank Sasha.
“In the ongoing Delhi elections of 2025, I featured in the song Phir Layengey Kejriwal released by the Aam Aadmi Party. Over the years, I have performed 3–4 lakh nukkad nataks for various political parties in elections across India. If 25 people gather to watch our play, at least five will be influenced by our act, and those five will create a chain,” said Dharamveer Mishra.
Street plays, or nukkad nataks, have been an integral part of Indian culture for a long time. The Indian People’s Theatre Association (IPTA) played a significant role in popularising nukkad nataks across the country. These performances are typically held in public spaces such as malls, market areas, and roadsides. Actors rely solely on their natural voices, performing without microphones or speakers. Traditionally, nukkad nataks were used to raise social awareness on issues like farmers’ rights, water crises, child labour and domestic violence.
However, today, nukkad nataks have become a tool for political parties to promote their agendas during elections. To uncover the truth, Tehelka conducted an investigation and spoke to nukkad natak groups who admitted to campaigning for various political parties and influencing voters through their performances.
Posing as a fictitious client seeking a nukkad natak group for a political candidate contesting the 2025 Delhi Assembly elections, Tehelka first met Shashank Sasha from Delhi. Sasha has been running his registered group, Creative Art Group Society, for the past 10 years. He revealed that street plays or nukkad nataks are now widely used by all political parties to sway voters during elections. He claimed that during the 2024 General Elections, he performed street plays for the BJP in Delhi, “contributing” to the party’s sweep of all seven Lok Sabha seats in the city. According to Sasha, his performances played a part in influencing voters who were initially against the BJP. He disclosed that he received Rs 15,000 per day from the BJP for his performances.
Reporter- Ek baat batao aap ye jo nukkad naatak karwaogey aap Delhi mein is sey kya voter influence hota hai.?
Sasha – Haan bilkul hota hai sir..fayda hota hai. Abhi mein aapko batata hoon. Last year bhi kiya tha maine.. 2024 mein.. tab peeche se awaaz sunai de rahi thi jab hum kar rahe they: kya BJP.. kya BJP. Baad mein pata lag raha hai ki saaton seat BJP le gayi…matlab mein heiran tha sir, literally hairan tha.. saat seats sir.
Reporter- Ye nukkad naatak se hua hai?
Sasha- Ye nukkad naatak se hi hua hai aur baki ke jo log hotey hain sir.. wo bhi kuch na kuch kaam karte hain.
Reporter- To aapki kitni seats ho gayi thi Lok sabha elections mein?
Sasha- Basically aapko ek area provide karwa detey hain, humko mila tha Rohini ke aas pass ka..jo Lok Sabha mili thi mujhe, Lok Sabha seat mein.. ek Lok Sabha mein..bahut badi hoti hai wo, to usmein alag alag Vidhan Sabhaon mein…to wahi team chodh di thi, wahan 10-12 din ka program chalaya tha.
Reporter- To aapne lagatar 10-12 din tak nukkad naatak kiya roz, usmein kya karte they aap ?
Sasha- Yahi nukkad naatak.. script de di thi.
Reporter- Acha script yehi log detey hain.. political party?
Sasha- BJP to bana kar deti hai, AAP ko batana padta hai..ye ye hai..
Reporter- Ye openly karte ho aap?
Sasha- Haan haan..jaise ab BJP karwa rahi hai to ye hame provide karwa denge kurta, ek stole typa ka hota hai , to saamne dekhtey hi pata chal jayega ye BJP ke bande hain. Last time bhi inhone logo diya tha, bhagwa colour ke jootey diye they..basically this is a campaign.
Reporter- Kitna paisa detey hain ye log?
Sasha- Last time, inhone diya tha ek din ka lagbhag 15 hazar.
Reporter- To dus din kiya tha.. to ho gaye 1.5 lakh rupees.
[This interaction highlights how political parties employ meticulously planned campaigns, such as nukkad nataks, to engage directly with voters, allocating substantial resources to ensure visibility and impact. Even if we take the claims made by those staging these plays with a pinch of salt, the enduring influence of such grassroots tactics in elections cannot be underestimated.]
Sasha disclosed that for the 2025 Delhi Assembly elections, the BJP has invited nukkad natak groups to perform street plays aimed at influencing voters. Approximately 250 groups, including his, have applied for contracts. Confident about securing an opportunity, Sasha explained the selection process and elaborated on how the BJP allocates teams across constituencies, using its substantial resources to ensure comprehensive coverage.
Reporter- Ab jaise aapne XXXX…ko bulaya, ye kiska campaign hai ?
Sasha- BJP ka.
Reporter- Apply ki kya formality hai..?
Sasha- Source se sari cheezein pata chalti hain.. koi source gaya usne bataya..uske baad registration kar letey hain.
Reportre- Maan lo bhagwan na kare reject ho gaya aapka ..phir?
Sasha- Nahi.. rejection to nahi hoga, sir.. itni surety hai….ab jaise aap keh rahe hain aap 3 candidates de denge..to aapki bhi kuch baat cheet hogi.
Reporter- BJP abhi kitne par karwa rahi hai.?
Sasha- Jo entry bhari hai, 250 teams ke aas pass entry bhari hai.
Reporter- Aur aap confident ho aapko mil jayega.?
Sasha- Haan.. kitni seats hain?
Reporter- 70
Sasha- Haan to ye lagbhag 70 teams ko to kaam de hi denge. Aur ye log kya karte hain.. maan lijiye ek team ko inhoney 10 din ke liye hire kiya, to ek vidhan sabha mein 2-3 din mein utar detey hain.
Reporter- 70 ke 70 seats par karwa legi BJP?
Sasha- Karwaiyenge sir, BJP ke pass fund itna hai.
Reporter- Sara aap hi ko milega?
Sasha- Nahi- nahi.
Reporter- Aapko kitni seat ki sambhawana hai?
Sasha- Ek hi milegi sir..max 2..1-2 only, kyunki all over Delhi mein ek hi team nahi kar sakti na sir.
[The vernacular exchange highlights Sasha’s optimism and the importance of funding in running voter-focused campaigns. It also reveals the organised approach to using street plays, strategically spread across constituencies, and emphasizes the strong financial backing behind these efforts, enabling widespread voter engagement.]
When asked if he could manage campaigns for Congress and Aam Aadmi Party alongside BJP, Sasha confidently explained his strategy. He revealed that his group has separate teams for different parties, ensuring no overlap or mix-up. Interestingly, he mentioned that even BJP is aware of this arrangement but focuses solely on securing its own results. For nukkad natak performances, Sasha advised quoting Rs 20,000 per day to my supposed client, excluding expenses for food and script-writing.
Reporter- Agar mein aapko AAP aur Congress ke 2-3 candidates dilwa doon… kar logey aap..?
Sasha- Haan.
Reporter- Mix nahi ho jayega.?
Sasha- Nahi meri aur bhi teams hain..jaise mein particularly BJP ka kar raha hoon, doosri team Aam Aadmi Party ka kar legi….teesri team Congress kar legi. Actually ye cheez jo hai BJP walon ko bhi pata hai, yahan log aisey bhi hain jo kisi party ke hain aur doosri party ke liye kaam kar rahe hain..sabko sab pata hai sir, lekin unko to apne kaam se matlab hai na sir..aur hota kya hai BJP wale agar hum kahin ja rahe hain to ek person apna de detey hain…issey mein location lunga, coordination hoga wo saaath mein hi rahega person. Ussey kya hoga wo humko watch karta rahega hum koi galat information to pass nahi kar rahe hain.
Reporter- Acha mein kitna rate quote kar doon aapki taraf se ?
Sasha- Kar dijiye 20 ke aas pass.
Reporter- Jo 15 hazar aapne Lok Sabha mein kiye they usmein khana tha ?
Sasha- Nahi sir.
Reporter- Script aapki hogi ?
Sasha- Haan wo likhwani padegi bahar se uska bhi kharcha jayega.
[This dialogue reveals how nukkad natak campaign services often transcend party lines, driven by business considerations. It also highlights the professionalisation of grassroots campaigning besides offering a peek into practical logistics of handling multi-party campaigns and the unspoken understanding among political stakeholders.]
Sasha now outlined a significant difference in campaign strategies among BJP, Congress, and AAP. He explained that BJP’s central office directly manages nukkad natak contracts for elections. In contrast, Congress and AAP leave this responsibility to individual candidates, requiring theatre groups to approach them directly for work.
Sasha- BJP wale na kya karte hain mein apko bataon, jaise ab Delhi mein election hain, Delhi BJP ka jo office hai wo office hi se deal kartey hain direct…ab jaise ke unhone nikal diya ki aap log aa jao.
Reporter- Jitni bhi nukkad teams hai..?
Sasha- Haan. Ab jin jin logon ko pata chalta hai wo apna apply kar detey hain. Congress aur AAP ka kya hai unke liye particularly har candidate ke pass jana padta hai. Wo deal nahi karte jaise Delhi Pradesh hai.. Aam Aadmi Party ka wo deal nahi kartey…seedhe aap candidate ke pass jao.. candidate hi aapko kaam dega. Depend karta hai candidate par kaam karwayega ya nahi, yahi Congress mein hai.
[This conversation sheds light on the divergent operational strategies of political parties in managing grassroots campaigns. This contrast highlights the organisational centralisation of BJP’s campaign efforts compared to the decentralised approach of Congress and AAP.]
Now, Sasha elaborated on how nukkad nataks are a powerful tool to influence voters. He explained that the live interaction and entertainment aspects captivate the audience, creating a telling impact that digital platforms often fail to achieve. By engaging directly with people on the ground, these performances leave a lasting impression, even if only a fraction of the audience converts to the intended message. The direct and personal connection with the audience underscores the unique effectiveness of nukkad nataks as a campaign medium.
Reporter– Acha agar mein baat karun kisi candidate se AAP ke ya Congress ke.. to unka pehla sawal hoga kaise influence karenge..wo aap mujhe tareeka samjha do..?
Sasha- Sir tareeka itna sa hai, hamari jo script hogi na, aap jab bhi baat karenge, boliyega Nukkad naatak bahut acha platform hai, audience ko influence kiya ja sakta hai..kyunki hum jab bhi koi cheez phone par dekhte hain na ..scroll kar detey hain lekin jab man to man baat hoti hai..performance dikhatey hain 15 minute, 20 minute ka.. to usmein, ground par jaatey hain.. unse interact kartey hain.. to 15-20 minute mein entertainment purpose se usko dikhatey hain, jab dikhane lagte hain to log interest lene lagtey hain, kahin na kahin agar 100 log khade hain, 100 mein se 20 ke dimag mein bhi aa gayi to convert to ho hi gaya. To bahut acha platform hai entertainment ke hisaab se logon tak apni baat pahuchana aur log enjoy bhi kartey hain…gaaliyan padti hain artist ko padti hain par wo let go wali baat hoti hai, dekhiye jab hum aam janta ke beech mein jaatey hain netaon ko bhi galiyan padti hain phir hum to artist hain.
[This conversation highlights the irreplaceable impact of face-to-face interaction in voter outreach. It also reflects how performances, though challenging for artists, remain a crucial medium for grassroots communication.]
After Sasha, Tehelka now met Anurag Dwivedi of Maadhyam Nukkad Natak group of Delhi. Our meeting with Anurag Dwivedi revealed an interesting perspective. Once a medium for social awareness, nukkad nataks have now evolved into tools for advancing political agendas. Anurag shared how this transformation has enabled targeted voter influence, leveraging short, impactful performances across neighbourhoods without requiring large setups or crowds.
Anurag- Political agenda ke liye kabhi use nahi hua nukkad natak, social awareness ke liye hi use hota tha, lekin ab ye ho gaya hai ki political bhi, ek saath ek natak 10 minute mein aap apne saare agenda daal saktey ho, aap kahin bhi approach kar saktey ho, manch lagane ki zaroorat nahi, hazaron logon ko bulane ki zaroorat nahi hai, yadi aap ki gali mein 2 chaurahe hain to dono chaurahon par kar saktey hain. Agar 20-25 log is chaurahe par jama hain, 20-25 us chaurahe par to zaroori nahi hum unko bhi yahan bulaye, hum wahan bhi kar saktey hain.
[This interaction underscores the shift in purpose for nukkad nataks—from fostering social awareness to driving political messaging. It also highlights the growing role of these plays in modern political campaigning.]
Anurag expressed his reluctance to work with the BJP for the 2025 Delhi Assembly elections, citing a disappointing experience during the recent Jammu and Kashmir elections. He described how BJP’s extensive technical requirements—ranging from filling out multiple forms to providing photographic proof of performances on their app and WhatsApp channel—made the process challenging. Additionally, delayed payments further complicated matters, diminishing his interest in collaborating with them again.
Reporter- Abhi aapne BJP ke liye apply kiya hai 2025 mein ?
Anurag- Abhi nahi kiya hai, BJP ke liye nahi karna hai. Wo wala experience thoda sa acha nahi hua, hum itni door ja rahe hain, BJP ki technical cheezein zyad hain, hum apni artistic cheezein nahi de pa rahe hain, jitni unki technical cheezein hain…jaise wo form detey hai, usey bharo, kitne logon ne naatak kiya, kis location par kiya, us location se 3-4 vyaktiyon se sign bhi karwana. Uske baad unki ek app aati hai aur inka whatsapp channel bhi chalta hai, same photo inko group par bhi chahiye.. same app par bhi upload karo, artiston ki, wo itne zyada proof maang rahe hai naatak ke
Anurag (continues)- unki app par har ghante aapko photo upload karni hai, payment bhi aise nahi detey, uska bhi locha hai, Jammu mein itne saal baad ja rahe they, itne saal baad chunav ho rahe they, bahut kam log wahan jaane ko taiyar hue they, ye sab cheezein karne ke baad payment k liye bhi bahut zyada intezar karna padta tha…Karyalay jao wahan form bharo, agar aapne 10 din kaam kiya hai to 10 din ke form bharo..aapke pass photo proof bhi hona chahiye.
Reporter- Warna wo paise kaat lenge ?
Anurag- Haan
[The conversation reveals how excessive procedural demands alienated Anurag from the BJP. Ironically, it also demonstrates how bureaucratic rigidity, true to its nature, stifled artistic expression.]
Anurag claimed that his street plays had helped the BJP play its Hindutva card during the Jammu and Kashmir elections, focusing on themes like the Ram Mandir and Article 370. For his nukkad natak performances, he received Rs 2,200 per play and managed six to seven performances daily, a physically demanding schedule. He mentioned that the BJP itself, not individual candidates, deployed his team as part of a larger contingent of forty nukkad natak groups.
Reporter- Jammu mein to aapne BJP ka hindutva card khela hoga ?
Anurag- Haan wahi hai, Ram mandir ka mudda, 370 ka mudda, ye hi dono main mudde they. Mein to soch raha hoon aap jo hame denge.. hum usi ke ird- gird banayenge naatak.
Reporter- Kitna payment hota hai ek din ka?
Anurag- Ek din ka nahi sir ek naatak ka.. Rs 2200 diya ek natak ka…2200 ke hisab se 6 natak.. 7 natak.
Reporter- Din mein kitne kartey they?
Anurag- Din mein 6 se 7 naatak, ye hamari limit hai. 6-7 natak agar 10- 10 minute bhi kiya sir.. bahut energy lagti hai.
Reporter- Ye aapko party ne bualay tha ya client ne?
Anurag- Party ne bulaya tha sir, chalees teams gayi thi.
[The conversation underscores how political parties strategically deploy cultural performances to amplify their narratives on contentious issues. It also highlights the commercialisation of ideological narratives in political campaigns.]
Anurag confidently assured us that his performances could influence voters in favour of our candidates, emphasising his artistic prowess as proof. He insisted on cash payment, citing his experience that political parties typically pay in cash. For his services, he demanded Rs 10,000 per day for nukkad natak performances.
Reporter- Iski kya guarantee hai ke voter influence hoga?
Anurah- Mein ek artist hoon.. pehle aapko dikhaonga, aap influence honge tab aap karwayenge.
Reporter- Mode of payment kya hoga?
Anurag- Cash ya online…
Anurag (continues)- Lekin political party se aajtak online mila nahi hai hamko, jhoot nahi bol rahe hain, jahan bhi hua hai cash hi hua hai.
Reporter- Abhi agar hum aapse karwai to kitna payment logey?
Anurag- 10 hazar per day ka.
[The exchange reflects how grassroots campaigning relies on direct cash transactions. It also exposes the informal and opaque financial practices surrounding political campaigns, besides highlighting the performer’s role as a tool for voter persuasion.]
After meeting Anurag, Tehelka approached Dharamveer Mishra, a member of the Dharma Nukkad Natak group in Delhi and a performer in Aam Aadmi Party’s recent promotional song, “Phir Layengey Kejriwal.” We presented him with a fabricated deal involving independent candidates for the 2025 Delhi assembly elections. Dharamveer, without hesitation, revealed his experience as part of Prashant Kishor’s team during the 2014 general elections, where he contributed to BJP’s campaign through nukkad natak performances in Uttar Pradesh.
Dharmveer –Koi dikkat nahi sir. Pichle chunav mein Prashant kishor ki team ka hissa raha hoon mein. Nukkad team ka.
Reporter- Prashant kishor ka ?
Dharmveer –Haan
Reporter- Kab ?
Dharamveer- 2014 mein UP mein. Azamgarh maine sambhala tha, Akbarpur maine sambhala tha, Rampur bhi maine sambhala tha aur Agra bhi. Ye char…charon jagah nukkad naatak kiye the, 2014 ke chunav mein.
Reporter- Kiske liye kaam kar rahe they tab ?
Dharamveer- Tab BJP ke liye kaam kar rahe they.
Reporter- Acha Modi ke liye kaam kar rahe they.
Dharamver- Haan ji hum bolte they bacche aatey hain nukkad naatak mein.. boltey they koi dikkat nahi.. bacchon ke mind mein jab aayegi wo bolenge ghar jakar. Har Har Modi Ghar Ghar Modi…ismein hamne 3 seat jeeti thi aur ek seat hari thi.
[This conversation underscores the reach and impact of nukkad nataks in grassroots campaigning, especially in embedding slogans in public memory. Dharamveer’s insights reveal how political campaigns leverage creative street performances to build mass appeal.]
Dharamveer now claims to have organised a staggering 3–4 lakh political nukkad nataks for various parties across India since 2014. He believes these performances play a significant role in influencing voters by creating small but impactful chains of support.
Reporter- Ab aap ye batao Nukkad natak se kaise voters ko influence kar saktey ho aap.?
Dharamveer- Nukkad natak hota hai bheed karna. Subject diya uske baad hame usmein se 20-25 log ikathey karne padtey hain…usmein se 5 banda nikalta hai jo aapke paksh mein rehta hai. Aur wo paanch bande hi chain banwatey hain.
Reporter- Ye kaise pata aapko 5 bande hi banwatey hain chain..?
Dharamveer-Experience hai sir.. 2014 se.
Reporter- Aapne kitne political nukkad naatak elections ke abhi tak karwa diye.?
Dharaveer- Political natak to mein 3-4 lakh karwa chukka hoon abhi tak
Reporter- 3-4 lakh all over India?
Dharamveer- Haan all over India.. alag alag chunav mein.
[Dharamveer’s insights reveal how carefully crafted street plays can sway public opinion by creating chains of influence within small groups. It underscores the enduring effectiveness of grassroots campaigning in Indian elections.]
Now, Dharamveer outlined the structure and costs of his nukkad natak team, consisting of five members—one girl and four boys. He charges Rs 1,700 per performance, with costs covering travel, gathering the audience, and conducting the 20–25-minute act. The teams’ organised approach demonstrates how targeted messages are delivered directly to the people.
Reporter- Ek team mein kitne log honge..?
Dharamveer- 5 log; 1 ladki 4 ladke.
Reporter- Kitna kharcha hoga ?
Dharamveer- 1700 rupees ek naatak ka…aana jaana..public ko bulana wo 20-25 min ka hota hai ye sab..
[This conversation highlights how nukkad natak teams operate, including their makeup and the costs involved in running these grassroots campaigns. The financial aspects show the careful planning behind these performances, showcasing them as affordable tools for reaching voters.]
On January 1, 1989, thirty-four-year-old poet and playwright Safdar Hashmi, a Communist Party of India (Marxist) leader, was performing a nukkad natak before a large crowd in support of Ramanand Jha, a CPM candidate, for the post of councillor in the Ghaziabad City Board elections, when he was brutally assaulted by Congress-backed candidate Mukesh Sharma, who was contesting against Jha. Safdar Hashmi succumbed to his injuries in the hospital. This tragic incident underscores the pivotal role the street plays have played in shaping voters’ opinion, to the extent that rival candidates resorted to extreme measures. Thirty-six years later, nukkad nataks remain a significant tool for voter outreach, adapting to modern political narratives while retaining their grassroots impact. Their continued prevalence highlights their enduring power as an influential medium in Indian politics.
New Delhi : As Delhi braces itself for the assembly elections, the political battle in the city’s rural and semi-urban areas—particularly Outer Delhi — has become a focal point of intense competition and has witnessed remarkable transformation over the past decade.
Once firmly loyal to Congress, the region has undergone a significant political transformation. In the aftermath of 2014, the rise of the Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) has disrupted the electoral dynamics in areas such as Narela, Najafgarh, Bawana, and Mehrauli, previously known for their support for Congress. However, as the BJP looks to regain its foothold in these areas, the political contest has intensified.
Historically, these regions leaned towards Congress due to its pro-farmer policies, but AAP’s rise disrupted this trend. By promising transparency, better governance, and improvements in education and healthcare, AAP gained a strong foothold among rural voters. However, as cracks begin to appear in its governance model, the BJP is working to capitalize on voter dissatisfaction and shift the political momentum in its favor.
A key strategy for the BJP has been aligning national development narratives with local concerns. Government data indicates that flagship schemes such as the Pradhan Mantri Gram Sadak Yojana (PMGSY) facilitated the construction of over 8,000 kilometers of rural roads in neighboring states between 2018 and 2023, positively impacting Outer Delhi’s connectivity.
Similarly, the Jal Jeevan Mission significantly improved piped water supply to rural households, with coverage rising from 49% in 2019 to 72% by the end of 2024. Under the Saubhagya Yojana, electricity connections have reached over 98% of rural households, compared to 84% in 2017. These developments have been extensively highlighted in the BJP’s outreach efforts to showcase tangible improvements in living standards.
Organizational strength has been another pillar of the BJP’s strategy. With a network of over 15,000 booth-level workers and 500 local leaders embedded in the region, the party has systematically built trust within tightly knit village communities. Engagement with panchayat leaders and farmer organizations has bolstered the BJP’s grassroots presence. Additionally, data-driven campaign strategies, door-to-door outreach programs, and micro-targeting of voter preferences have reinforced its connection with the electorate.
The role of cultural identity in Outer Delhi’s politics cannot be overlooked. According to a 2024 survey by the Centre for the Study of Developing Societies (CSDS), nearly 68% of respondents in Outer Delhi cited cultural preservation as a major electoral concern. The BJP has leveraged this sentiment by championing religious and cultural causes, positioning itself as the protector of traditional values. The party has also countered AAP’s secular and inclusive image by emphasizing law and order issues, citing a 12% decline in communal incidents in rural Delhi between 2021 and 2024, as per National Crime Records Bureau (NCRB) data.
Agriculture remains central to Outer Delhi’s economy, and both AAP and BJP have engaged in fierce competition for the rural vote. “While AAP initially gained support by waiving electricity bills for farmers, the BJP has sought to position itself as the true champion of rural prosperity. The PM-Kisan Samman Nidhi scheme has provided direct income support to over 1.2 lakh farmers in Outer Delhi since its inception, an achievement the BJP has aggressively publicized,” said Bitto Mathur, social activist and farmer from Kanjhawala.
Additionally, the establishment of 12 farmer producer organizations (FPOs) and the distribution of soil health cards to 75,000 farmers have strengthened the party’s rural outreach.
Simultaneously, “the BJP has worked to erode AAP’s governance credentials by highlighting administrative lapses. A Comptroller and Auditor General (CAG) report from 2023 exposed delays in AAP’s flagship water pipeline projects, affecting over three lakh rural households. Issues such as water scarcity, underdeveloped school infrastructure, and alleged corruption in local governance have been amplified by BJP’s campaign machinery,” said a village community leader sitting on protest in front of SDM Kanjhawala, Delhi. He added, the party has successfully framed these challenges as evidence of AAP’s inability to deliver, contrasting it with the Modi government’s track record of efficiency and transparency.
In recent months, the battle for Delhi’s villages has intensified, with both parties launching aggressive outreach initiatives. The BJP’s efforts were formally kickstarted in December 2023 with Lt Governor V.K. Saxena unveiling the Dilli Gramoday Abhiyan, a program aimed at the comprehensive development of rural Delhi. With an allocation of ₹800 crore, this initiative focuses on installing CCTVs and streetlights, improving hospitals and schools, rejuvenating water bodies, and building community centers. BJP MPs, including South Delhi’s Ramvir Singh Bidhuri, have been actively engaging with village residents, highlighting their contributions to the party’s successive victories in parliamentary elections and projecting a similar outcome in the upcoming Assembly polls.
The AAP, on its part, has doubled down on its governance narrative. In December, Delhi Development Minister Gopal Rai announced that the Village Development Board had sanctioned ₹1,000 crore for infrastructure improvements in rural Delhi. New bus routes were introduced in areas such as Najafgarh, while ₹100 crore was earmarked for essential services. Additionally, AAP has sought to attract influential rural leaders into its fold, with former BJP MLA Brahm Singh Tanwar from Chattarpur joining the party in a significant political coup. Rai’s October 2023 meeting of the Village Development Board approved 100 development projects, including roads, community centers, parks, crematoriums, and sports grounds, in a bid to reinforce AAP’s presence in rural areas.
The Congress, though relegated to the sidelines in recent elections, is attempting a revival through its “Dilli Nyay Yatra” campaign, led by city president Devender Yadav. The party has focused on highlighting farmer grievances, particularly regarding low circle rates and land acquisition compensation. In September, Yadav called for the Lt Governor’s intervention to address these concerns, blaming both the BJP-ruled Centre and the AAP government for their neglect.
Despite these political maneuvers, a significant section of Outer Delhi’s rural electorate remains skeptical about the promises made by all three parties. “There has been no real development in Delhi’s villages for the past three decades,” alleged a member of the Delhi Panchayat Sangh.
He futher added that issues such as the non-implementation of the SVAMITVA scheme for land record digitization, delays in the regularization of rural colonies, and the absence of an authority responsible for executing village development plans have exacerbated voter frustration. Urbanization pressures, coupled with inadequate basic amenities, have also forced many residents to relocate to Haryana and Uttar Pradesh, where better infrastructure and government support are available.
Social activists, too, have voiced concerns over policy gaps. Ashok Shastri, RWA president Rama Vihar, pointed out that the DDA’s master plans repeatedly mention village development but fail to assign clear responsibility to any single agency. “This leads to a blame game between the DDA, MCD, and the Delhi government’s Development Department, with none of them taking ownership,” he said. “Villages lack parks, drainage systems, community centers, colleges, and adequate healthcare facilities. The migration trend is only going to intensify unless concrete steps are taken.”
As the 2025 elections draw closer, the contest for Outer Delhi remains wide open. While the BJP has made significant headway in terms of development initiatives and grassroots engagement, the AAP continues to leverage its governance track record and stronghold in urban pockets. The Congress, despite its diminished influence, is attempting to revive its base by targeting specific voter concerns. However, the ultimate decision will rest with the electorate, which has demonstrated a history of shifting political allegiances based on performance and tangible outcomes.
With less than a week to go before Delhi’s voters head to the polls, Outer Delhi stands as a critical bellwether for the city’s larger electoral trends. Whether the BJP’s strategic recalibration will translate into electoral success, whether AAP can maintain its rural dominance, or whether the Congress can mount a meaningful comeback remains to be seen. But one thing is certain: the battle for Outer Delhi’s villages will be a defining chapter in the capital’s political story.
Indian National Congress candidate for New Delhi assembly constituency Sandeep Dikshit on Friday slammed the former chief minister for not appearing at the Jantar Mantar where he had invited him to public debate, calling out his claims about his tenure as Delhi’s CM.
He said, “Kejriwal has claimed that he has improved the transport services of the city and roads have been repaired or improved. He said that he made a total of 10,000 kms of roads while when I checked government documents there are only 4000 kms of roads in Delhi.”
He also cited the same reason for reaching late at the venue. “I should be reaching here at 1.30 pm but Kejriwal has done such a great work for the roads of Delhi, I could not make it on time,” he added.
Dikshit had challenged Arvind Kejriwal for public debate on his claims about the work in Delhi, at Jantar Mantar.
Photo : Priyanka Tanwer
It is important to mention that his election campaign was supported by the National Congress and National Students’ Union of India (NSUI). It was attended by national spokesperson Supriya Shrinate, party’s media chairperson Pawan Khera, NSUI’s Ronak Khatri, and many other senior leaders of the party.
Congress national spokesperson Supriya Srinate slammed Kejriwal for making fake claims about his government and said, “Arvind Kejriwal is going to be defeated from the New Delhi assembly constituency seat. He has worked and been in the chair of chief minister for 10 years yet he has nothing to say and show. He only cries about his security and makes false claims about poison in the river Yamuna.”
Meanwhile, Dr. Dharamvir Gandhi who was present at the event criticized Kejriwal for not appearing and avoiding the debate.
Photo : Priyanka Tanwer
“I can surely say that Kejriwal is a liar and he has more caliber to make you fool in comparison to what prime minister Narendra Modi does and says,” Gandhi added.
The event also witnessed the presence of local people who were cheering for the Congress and raised slogans in support of the party followed by “Nukkad Natak” performed by the volunteers at the venue. They mentioned the work of former chief minister Late Sheila Dikshit and the work done in the city by the Congress, raising slogans against Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) and Arvind Keriwal.
Meanwhile, AAP refused to respond to the repeated query sent by Tehelka.com about its take on the invitation to Arvind Kejriwal to the public debate at Jantar Mantar.
