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.
