NEW DELHI: The Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) has launched a comprehensive electoral manifesto for the upcoming Delhi assembly elections, offering a series of ambitious promises aimed primarily at students and economically disadvantaged groups. Released on Tuesday, the manifesto includes a Rs 15,000 financial aid program for aspiring competitive exam candidates and a commitment to provide free education up to the postgraduate level for needy students attending government institutions.
During the manifesto unveiling, BJP leader Anurag Thakur emphasized the party’s dedication to education and welfare, stating, “Once our government is formed, we will ensure free education from KG to PG for needy students in government educational institutions. Additionally, we will reimburse application and travel fees for competitive exams.”
The manifesto also outlines a myriad of benefits for specific groups, including scholarships for the children of auto and taxi drivers, a monthly stipend of Rs 1,000 for Scheduled Caste students, and the establishment of welfare boards for domestic workers and drivers. Promises include life and accident insurance for domestic workers and paid maternity leave, among other initiatives.
However, the Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) has vocally opposed the BJP’s promises. Party chief Arvind Kejriwal described the manifesto as “dangerous” at a press conference, asserting that it harbors plans to dismantle essential services provided to Delhi residents, including the government’s mohalla clinics and free education initiatives.
“They have clearly signaled their intention to shut down mohalla clinics, which provide free treatment to the people of Delhi,” Kejriwal said. “This is just the beginning; they also aim to end free education in government schools.”
Kejriwal urged voters to be cautious, claiming the BJP’s campaign is focused on rescinding the welfare schemes that have benefitted residents. “Don’t mistakenly support policies that aim to make life more difficult for Delhi’s citizens,” he warned.
As the political landscape heats up ahead of the elections scheduled for February 5, the BJP, AAP, and Congress are gearing up for a fiercely contested battle. The election results will be announced on February 8, 2025, with both parties intensifying their campaigns and criticisms in the weeks leading up to the polls.
Agencies