A History of Power Struggles in Delhi
As Delhi gears up for the Assembly elections on February 5, the political battle between the Aam Aadmi Party (AAP), the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP), and Congress is reaching its peak. With results set to be announced on February 8, each party is aggressively campaigning, promising various welfare schemes to sway voters.
Delhi’s political landscape has seen significant shifts over the past two decades. The Congress ruled the capital for 15 years, with Sheila Dikshit as Chief Minister from 1998 to 2013. However, in 2013, AAP emerged as a formidable force, disrupting the traditional two-party dominance. Since then, AAP has held power, winning a landslide 67 out of 70 seats in 2015 and maintaining a strong hold with 62 seats in 2020. Meanwhile, the BJP, despite its dominance at the national level, has been struggling to reclaim the Delhi Assembly for the last 27 years. Congress, which once ruled the city, has seen its vote share dwindle over the past few elections.
With a highly competitive three-way contest this time, voters will weigh the promises made by each party carefully. Here’s a comparative look at what AAP, BJP, and Congress are offering to the people of Delhi.
Key Promises from AAP, BJP, and Congress
- Free Electricity and Water
AAP: 200 units of free electricity and a 50% subsidy for consumption beyond that, along with separate electricity meters for tenants.
BJP: Continuation of AAP’s 200-unit free electricity scheme and Rs 500 subsidy on LPG cylinders, including one free cylinder during festivals.
Congress: 300 units of free electricity, surpassing both AAP and BJP.
- Cash Assistance for Women
AAP: Rs 2,100 per month under the ‘Mahila Samman Yojana’.
BJP: Rs 2,500 per month for low-income women and Rs 21,000 for pregnant women under ‘Mahila Samridhi Yojana’.
Congress: Rs 2,500 per month under the ‘Pyari Didi Yojana’.
- Healthcare and Pensions
AAP: Free healthcare for senior citizens under the ‘Sanjeevani Yojana’ and pensions of Rs 2,000-2,500 for different age brackets.
BJP: Rs 10 lakh health insurance for senior citizens under ‘Ayushman Bharat’ and increased pension payments up to Rs 3,000.
Congress: Rs 25 lakh health insurance coverage for all residents but no specific pension plan.
- Public Transport
AAP: Free bus rides for women, free Metro travel for male students, and 50% discount on Metro fares for all students.
BJP: Free bus rides for women but no Metro-related promises.
Congress: No specific transport-related proposals.
- Student Welfare and Education
AAP: ‘Dr Ambedkar Samman Scholarship Yojana’ covering tuition, travel, and accommodation costs for Dalit students studying abroad.
BJP: Rs 1,000 per month for SC students in ITIs and polytechnics; Rs 15,000 assistance for UPSC aspirants.
Congress: ‘Yuva Udaan Yojana’ with Rs 8,500 monthly stipend for unemployed graduates for one year.
- Support for Auto and Taxi Drivers
AAP: Rs 10 lakh life insurance, Rs 5 lakh accident insurance, and Rs 1 lakh for daughters’ marriages.
BJP: Rs 10 lakh life insurance and Rs 5 lakh accident cover for drivers.
Congress: Focus on eliminating black marketing in permits and registering auto-rickshaws.
- Cleaning the Yamuna
AAP: Complete cleaning of the river.
BJP: Promises to clean the Yamuna within three years.
Congress: Plans to build a dedicated Chhath Ghat for the river.
- Additional Welfare Promises
AAP: Financial aid for domestic workers, including insurance and maternity leave.
BJP: Nutrition kits for pregnant women and expansion of the PM SVANidhi scheme.
Congress: Free ration scheme, subsidized LPG cylinders, and Rs 8,500 per month for unemployed youth.
What’s at Stake in This Election?
With Delhi’s electorate sharply divided, this election is crucial for all three parties. AAP is fighting to maintain its stronghold, emphasizing its governance model that includes free services and infrastructural development. BJP, on the other hand, hopes to break AAP’s dominance by leveraging central government schemes and addressing issues like pollution and water quality. Congress, despite its decline, is attempting a comeback by positioning itself as a viable alternative, especially with its promise of more extensive welfare benefits.
The Road Ahead: Who Will Win Delhi?
As the campaign heats up, the final decision rests in the hands of Delhi’s voters. Each party has put forward enticing promises, but the electorate will ultimately weigh governance records, credibility, and feasibility of these pledges. Will AAP retain its dominance, or will BJP make a breakthrough? Can Congress regain its lost ground? The answer will be revealed when votes are counted on February 8.
(With inputs from agencies)
