BJP Ambitious Manifesto for Delhi Polls: Key Promises and Attacks on AAP

BJP Ambitious Manifesto: Ahead of the highly anticipated Delhi Assembly elections, the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) has released the third and final part of its ‘Sankalp Patra’ (election manifesto), setting the stage for a fierce contest. On Saturday, Union Home Minister Amit Shah revealed a series of bold promises aimed at securing a victory in the national capital. This manifesto focuses on critical areas like insurance for gig workers, the cleaning of the Yamuna river, job creation, and free healthcare for senior citizens, among others.

With just days left before Delhi votes on February 5, this release marks a key moment in the BJP’s campaign to wrest control of the Delhi Assembly from the Aam Aadmi Party (AAP), which has been in power since 2015. The BJP’s promises aim to appeal to a broad cross-section of the electorate, while its attacks on AAP focus on what the party claims are unfulfilled promises and allegations of corruption.

Key Highlights of BJP Manifesto for Delhi

1. Insurance for Gig Workers: Rs 10 Lakh Life Cover and Rs 5 Lakh Accidental Insurance

In a bid to attract the growing gig economy workforce in Delhi, the BJP has promised a significant financial safety net for gig workers. The party has committed to providing Rs 10 lakh life insurance and Rs 5 lakh accidental insurance to gig workers if they are voted into power. This is aimed at enhancing the security of the city’s vast army of delivery and ride-sharing workers, many of whom lack the traditional benefits associated with regular employment.

2. Job Creation and Self-Employment Opportunities

The BJP manifesto promises the creation of 50,000 jobs and 20 lakh self-employment opportunities for the people of Delhi. This focus on employment is crucial as the national capital continues to face challenges related to unemployment, especially in light of the ongoing economic recovery from the pandemic.

Additionally, the BJP plans to develop a “Mahabharat corridor” in collaboration with neighboring states Uttar Pradesh and Haryana. This project is expected to boost employment in the region and become a major cultural and historical tourism hub.

3. Ownership Rights for Unauthorized Colonies

The BJP has promised full ownership rights for residents of 1,700 unauthorized colonies across Delhi. These areas have long been denied the legal rights to buy, sell, or construct properties due to their unauthorized status. BJP’s promise to provide these rights will likely resonate with a large number of Delhiites who have been living in such colonies without any legal protection for their homes.

4. Free Healthcare for Senior Citizens

As part of its election pledge, the BJP has promised free treatment for senior citizens under the Ayushman Bharat scheme. Amit Shah emphasized that this would be one of the first measures to be approved in the BJP’s first Cabinet meeting, should the party come to power. The scheme promises to provide quality healthcare to elderly residents, many of whom face difficulties in accessing affordable medical treatment.

5. Cleaning of the Yamuna River and Riverfront Development

Perhaps one of the most ambitious promises in the BJP’s manifesto is its plan to clean the Yamuna river in three years. Amit Shah ridiculed Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal for his failed promise to clean the Yamuna and transform it into a clean waterbody like the Thames in London. The BJP has now promised to clean the river in just three years and develop a riverfront similar to the successful Sabarmati riverfront project in Gujarat.

Shah even joked that the people of Delhi are still waiting for Kejriwal’s promised “world-famous dip in the Yamuna,” referring to Kejriwal’s past claim that he would bathe in the river once it was cleaned.

6. Reviving Sealed Shops and Converting Buses to Electric

The BJP has pledged to unseal 13,000 shops that were sealed during the AAP regime, offering a lifeline to shopkeepers who had been adversely affected by the sealing drive. Additionally, the party plans to convert 13,000 buses into electric buses to reduce pollution and promote sustainable public transport.

BJP’s Attack on AAP: Unfulfilled Promises and Corruption Allegations

In addition to unveiling its manifesto, Amit Shah also took several jabs at the AAP government and its leadership, particularly Arvind Kejriwal. Shah accused Kejriwal of failing to fulfill key promises made to the people of Delhi, including the cleaning of the Yamuna and the development of infrastructure.

1. Kejriwal’s Unfulfilled Promises

Shah targeted Kejriwal for his unfulfilled promises, including his much-publicized vow to clean the Yamuna and improve the city’s infrastructure. Shah also mocked Kejriwal’s previous statements about closing liquor stores in residential areas, claiming that not only were liquor stores not closed, but licenses had also been granted for stores near schools, temples, and even gurudwaras.

The BJP’s manifesto includes promises to reverse some of these policies, focusing on controlling the liquor distribution and ensuring better regulation.

2. Allegations of Corruption in the Liquor Scam

The BJP also brought up the ongoing liquor scam investigations involving AAP leaders. Shah accused Kejriwal and his education minister, Manish Sisodia, of being involved in a multi-crore liquor scam. Shah emphasized that Kejriwal had remained Chief Minister despite the scandal and had not resigned on moral grounds.

3. The ‘Sheeshmahal’ Controversy

Shah also took a shot at Kejriwal over the “sheeshmahal” controversy, which involved the luxury bungalow that Kejriwal had occupied. He criticized Kejriwal for spending Rs 51 crore to renovate the bungalow while promising that neither he nor his ministers would live in government accommodation.

4. Allegations of Mismanagement in Mohalla Clinics

Shah also questioned the efficacy of AAP’s mohalla clinics, which were promised to provide basic healthcare services to residents. He asked whether specialist doctors were available at these clinics and whether the tests being conducted were legitimate. According to Shah, many mohalla clinics were engaged in fraudulent activities, which he claimed showed the AAP government’s lack of accountability.

BJP’s Earlier Manifesto Promises

This third part of the BJP’s manifesto builds on the earlier promises made by the party in the first two parts.

1. Financial Assistance for Women

On January 17, BJP chief JP Nadda released the first part of the manifesto, promising Rs 2,500 monthly financial assistance to women under the Mahila Samridhi Yojana. The party also promised Rs 21,000 for pregnant women and subsidies on LPG cylinders for women during Holi and Diwali.

2. Free Education and Financial Support for Students

In the second part of the manifesto, BJP MP Anurag Thakur announced that the party would offer free education from kindergarten to post-graduation in government schools. Additionally, the BJP promised Rs 15,000 in financial assistance for students preparing for the Union Public Service Commission (UPSC) and other state civil services exams.

BJP’s Road to Victory in Delhi

With the BJP out of power in Delhi for the past 27 years, it is seeking to end AAP’s rule and regain control of the city. The party has been focusing its campaign on corruption allegations against AAP and its perceived failure to fulfill promises made in previous elections.

In the 2015 and 2020 Delhi Assembly elections, the BJP faced a significant setback, winning only three and eight seats, respectively. AAP dominated both elections, winning 67 and 62 seats. Despite these setbacks, the BJP is determined to challenge AAP’s dominance and is presenting itself as the party of change in Delhi.

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Conclusion: What Lies Ahead

With the election date drawing closer, the BJP’s manifesto lays out an ambitious vision for Delhi’s future. The promises made in the manifesto, coupled with the party’s sharp criticisms of AAP’s governance, will likely play a pivotal role in shaping voter sentiment. As Delhi heads to the polls on February 5, all eyes will be on how these promises resonate with the electorate and whether the BJP can unseat AAP after years in opposition.

The results of the Delhi Assembly elections will be declared on February 8, and the political landscape in the capital could see significant shifts depending on the outcome. Whether the BJP can turn its fortunes around in Delhi or whether AAP will retain power remains to be seen, but the stage is set for an intense political battle in the capital.