Jobs, a 24-hour water supply, a clean Yamuna, and a wide array of social welfare initiatives are at the heart of the Aam Aadmi Party’s election manifesto, described as "Kejriwal’s 15 Guarantees," as Delhi prepares for the upcoming polls. At a rally in the capital, AAP leader Arvind Kejriwal took a sharp dig at the BJP, stating that his promises carry credibility, unlike what he referred to as "Modi’s fake guarantees."
The manifesto emphasizes job creation, social equity, and significant improvements in public services. Arvind Kejriwal underscored the importance of tackling unemployment, even though Delhi has a significantly lower unemployment rate of 2% compared to the national average of 6%. He stressed that even one unemployed individual in the capital was unacceptable. “When our children study hard but fail to find work, it causes distress. I want no one in Delhi to remain unemployed,” he said, reiterating his commitment to creating job opportunities for all.
On the issue of the Yamuna River, Kejriwal openly acknowledged his earlier failure to deliver on his promise to clean the river but made a renewed pledge to achieve this goal in the coming years if reelected. This was accompanied by a range of other initiatives targeting various sections of society. Among the standout proposals was the Ambedkar Scholarship Programme, which aims to provide full financial support for Dalit students aspiring to study at international universities, covering education, travel, and living expenses. Another significant promise was the introduction of the Mahila Samman Yojana, which would provide ₹2,100 as financial support to eligible women, demonstrating a focus on empowering women through direct assistance. For senior citizens aged 60 and above, the Sanjeevani Yojana was announced, guaranteeing access to free medical treatment in both public and private hospitals, ensuring the elderly receive comprehensive healthcare.
The manifesto also highlighted plans for free bus travel for students and discounted metro fares to encourage affordable transportation for the youth. Kejriwal emphasized the need for tenant-friendly policies, promising free electricity and water benefits for rented households. To improve the city’s infrastructure, he pledged to repair sewage systems and enhance the quality of roads to match European standards, ensuring safer and smoother commutes for all residents. In addition, financial support was promised to clergy members, with a monthly stipend of ₹18,000 for priests and granthis.
For auto, taxi, and e-rickshaw drivers, Kejriwal announced a series of measures, including ₹1 lakh for daughters' marriages, free coaching for children, and life insurance coverage. Resident safety also found a place in the manifesto, with a promise to provide private security guards to Resident Welfare Associations (RWAs) for better community security.
Earlier this month, AAP also released a special middle-class-focused manifesto, urging the central government to increase public spending on education and healthcare. The party demanded an increase in the education budget from 2% to 10% and proposed measures to regulate private school fees while offering subsidies for higher education. It was also suggested that the health budget be raised to 10%, alongside the removal of taxes on health insurance. Other demands included raising the income tax exemption limit from ₹7 lakh to ₹10 lakh and eliminating GST on essential goods to alleviate financial burdens on middle-class families.
The Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP), AAP’s primary rival, has already rolled out its manifesto in three phases, with Union Health Minister JP Nadda, MP Anurag Thakur, and Union Home Minister Amit Shah unveiling various segments of their campaign promises.
With voting for all 70 Assembly seats scheduled for February 5 and results to be declared on February 8, the race for Delhi is intensifying. Both parties are vying for the trust of voters, and this election promises to be a significant political battleground.
