The Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) released another manifesto on Monday ahead of next week’s Delhi elections, highlighting promises such as free travel on public buses and a 50% discount on Metro fares for all school and college students. Party chief and former Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal unveiled a list of 15 assurances, dubbed “Kejriwal ki guarantees,” a play on the BJP’s “Modi ki guarantees.”
The manifesto reiterated previous commitments, including a Rs 2,100 monthly cash transfer to eligible women under the “Mahila Samman Yojana.” Kejriwal emphasized this initiative aims to empower women and address their financial needs. The free bus travel and Metro fare concessions for women would also extend to female students.
Highlighting the 15 guarantees, Kejriwal said the first is the “guarantee of employment,” followed by the “Mahila Samman Yojana.” Other promises include the “Sanjeevani Scheme” for medical treatment, waiving incorrect water bills, cleaning the Yamuna, providing 24-hour drinking water for all households, and developing European-standard roads. While some of these promises were made in the 2020 elections, Kejriwal cited the pandemic and alleged targeting by the BJP for delays in their implementation.
The manifesto also outlined the Dr. BR Ambedkar Scholarship, which would cover education, travel, and living expenses for Dalit students pursuing studies at international universities. Temple and gurdwara priests would receive Rs 18,000 per month under a new scheme.
The BJP and AAP have exchanged manifesto announcements in recent weeks, each targeting specific voter groups, including women, marginalized communities, and students. Last week, the BJP pledged free education from preschool to postgraduate levels for underprivileged students, a cash aid of Rs 15,000 plus travel reimbursements for entrance exam candidates, and a Rs 1,000 monthly stipend for Scheduled Caste students enrolled in technical and professional courses.
Kejriwal criticized a clause in the BJP’s manifesto that limited free education in government schools to “eligible children,” arguing that AAP provides free education for all and accusing the BJP of creating unnecessary hurdles for families.
The political sparring extends to efforts to win over women voters, who form a significant portion of Delhi’s electorate. According to the Chief Electoral Officer, over 46% of Delhi’s registered voters—around 71 lakh—are women, with numbers growing steadily.
Delhi’s Assembly elections are scheduled for February 5, with votes set to be counted on February 8. The AAP, which swept 62 of the capital’s 70 seats in 2020, had also dominated the 2015 elections, winning 67 seats.