The Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) unveiled the final segment of its comprehensive election manifesto, the 'Sankalp Patra,' for the upcoming Delhi Assembly elections, presenting a slew of ambitious promises targeting welfare, infrastructure, and the revitalization of the capital’s economy. Union Home Minister Amit Shah led the announcement, emphasizing transformative initiatives such as ₹10 lakh life insurance and ₹5 lakh accidental insurance for gig and delivery workers. Shah also outlined plans for the development of a state-of-the-art Yamuna riverfront, modeled after the Sabarmati riverfront in Gujarat, as a flagship project to rejuvenate Delhi's urban landscape. These measures, he argued, showcase the BJP's commitment to creating a safer, greener, and more prosperous capital if given the mandate.
Amit Shah highlighted the BJP’s plans to generate 50,000 jobs, foster 20 lakh self-employment opportunities, and establish a Mahabharat corridor in collaboration with Uttar Pradesh and Haryana, aimed at promoting tourism and cultural preservation. A key focus of the manifesto is the granting of full ownership rights to residents of 1,700 unauthorized colonies, addressing a long-standing demand of millions of Delhiites. The party also committed to providing free medical treatment for senior citizens under the Ayushman Bharat scheme, which Shah promised would be approved in the first Cabinet meeting of a BJP-led government. Further pledges included reopening 13,000 shops sealed during the AAP regime, introducing 13,000 electric buses to promote sustainable public transport, and significant measures to tackle pollution.
Taking direct aim at Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) leader Arvind Kejriwal, Shah accused the Delhi Chief Minister of failing to fulfill key promises, particularly his pledge to clean the Yamuna River. Shah criticized Kejriwal’s seven-year timeline for cleaning the Yamuna, contrasting it with the BJP’s commitment to accomplish the task in just three years. He took a swipe at Kejriwal’s earlier statement comparing the Yamuna to London’s Thames River, suggesting that the BJP's efforts would finally enable the AAP leader to take his promised "dip in the Yamuna." Shah extended the invitation humorously, stating, "If not in the Yamuna, he can visit the Maha Kumbh to take a dip and cleanse his sins."
Shah also accused Kejriwal of spreading misinformation through fake WhatsApp calls, claiming that the BJP would discontinue existing welfare schemes if voted to power. He reassured Delhi residents that no welfare schemes for the underprivileged would be stopped and instead highlighted the BJP’s focus on fulfilling promises that would bring tangible benefits to the people.
The BJP's campaign has prominently centered on corruption allegations against the AAP government. Shah alleged that Kejriwal’s liquor policy led to a massive scam, granting licenses to liquor stores near schools, temples, and residential areas. The alleged ₹51 crore renovation of Kejriwal's official residence, mockingly referred to as the 'sheeshmahal,' also featured in Shah's criticisms, alongside claims of scams in the mohalla clinics, which he described as lacking specialist doctors and conducting fraudulent medical tests. Shah questioned why Kejriwal remained silent on these issues, claiming his government has betrayed the trust of the people of Delhi.
The earlier segments of the BJP manifesto, released by party leaders JP Nadda and Anurag Thakur, laid out additional promises such as ₹2,500 monthly assistance for women under the Mahila Samridhi Yojana, a ₹21,000 grant for pregnant women, a subsidy of ₹500 on LPG cylinders, and one free cylinder during Holi and Diwali. For students, the BJP proposed free education from kindergarten to postgraduate levels in government schools and ₹15,000 in financial assistance for those preparing for civil services exams, showcasing a focus on empowering women and youth.
The BJP, which has not been in power in Delhi for 27 years, is intensifying efforts to regain control of the national capital. The party’s campaign heavily targets the AAP’s governance, particularly corruption allegations and unfulfilled promises. Despite their aggressive approach, the BJP faces a tough challenge against the AAP, which has enjoyed sweeping victories in previous elections, securing 67 out of 70 seats in 2015 and 62 seats in 2020. The Congress, on the other hand, has failed to secure any seats in the last two Assembly elections.
The BJP’s broader vision for Delhi includes significant infrastructure development, environmental improvements, and social welfare, presenting itself as a credible alternative to the AAP government. Delhi residents will cast their votes for all 70 Assembly seats in a single-phase election on February 5, with results to be announced on February 8. The upcoming polls will reveal whether the BJP’s promises and critiques of the AAP resonate with voters or whether the AAP will retain its stronghold over the capital for a third consecutive term.
