Ahead of the February 5 Delhi Assembly elections, Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) National Convenor Arvind Kejriwal on Monday unveiled the party’s manifesto, titled “Kejriwal ki Guarantee”. In a bold statement, Kejriwal took a jibe at the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP), accusing them of copying AAP’s promise-based governance model.
“We coined the term ‘guarantee’ first in the country. After us, the BJP stole it, but the difference is, we fulfil our guarantees, and they do not,” Kejriwal said, emphasizing that AAP stands by its promises.
The manifesto outlines 15 key guarantees, with Kejriwal setting a clear tone for the upcoming election by focusing on key welfare programs aimed at improving the lives of Delhi residents.
Key Highlights of the AAP’s 2024 Delhi Manifesto:
- Job Creation: Kejriwal’s first promise focuses on creating a robust job market for Delhi residents, ensuring employment opportunities across various sectors.
- Mahila Samman Yojana: The second guarantee promises Rs 2,100 monthly financial support to women under the Mahila Samman Yojana.
- Sanjeevani Yojana for Senior Citizens: Under this scheme, AAP promises free healthcare facilities for senior citizens.
- Water Bill Waiver: The manifesto guarantees the waiver of outstanding “hiked” water bills, easing the burden on Delhi residents.
- Clean Water Supply: A commitment to provide round-the-clock clean drinking water to every household in the city.
- Yamuna River Cleaning: AAP has pledged to clean the polluted Yamuna River, with plans to make Delhi’s roads world-class.
- Babasaheb Ambedkar Scholarship Yojana: Scholarships for SC and ST students to study abroad. Male students will also benefit from free bus rides and a 50% discount on metro fares.
- Financial Support for Priests and Gurudwara Granthis: A monthly financial aid of Rs 18,000 for priests and Gurudwara Granthis.
- Tenant Welfare: The extension of free electricity and water benefits to tenants, ensuring no one is left out.
- Support for Auto and Cab Drivers: AAP promises financial assistance to auto and cab drivers, along with Rs 10 lakh insurance coverage and Rs 1 lakh for their daughters’ weddings.
- Resident Welfare Associations (RWAs): The party will allocate funds for RWAs to hire security guards and address local safety concerns.
- Improvement of Sewage Systems: A comprehensive plan to enhance Delhi’s sewage system and ensure better living conditions for all.
- Ration Cards: Issuing ration cards to those left out of the system, ensuring food security for every Delhi resident.
Kejriwal also reassured Delhi’s residents that the existing free welfare schemes—providing benefits worth approximately Rs 25,000 per month—would continue if AAP retains power.
“The BJP has already made it clear that they will stop all these schemes if they come to power. I want to ask the people of Delhi: will you be able to bear the cost if the BJP stops these benefits?” Kejriwal challenged the opposition.
A Referendum on Governance Philosophy
The manifesto is being presented as a reaffirmation of AAP’s governance philosophy, which prioritizes welfare programs and infrastructure improvements. With the BJP promising to disrupt the status quo, the upcoming polls are set to be a high-stakes contest, with the results due to be announced on February 8.
The elections will not just determine the future of Delhi but also serve as a referendum on AAP’s governance model, which has focused heavily on free welfare schemes and development programs.
