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The upcoming Delhi Assembly elections in 2025 are shaping up to be a fierce contest centered around attracting the crucial female electorate. With women constituting over 46% of registered voters, the three major parties – the Aam Aadmi Party (AAP), the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP), and the Congress – are vying for their support through a barrage of promises focused primarily on financial incentives and welfare schemes. This strategy underscores the significant political influence wielded by women voters in Delhi and the parties' recognition of this demographic's pivotal role in determining election outcomes.
The core of each party's campaign revolves around various cash transfer programs targeted specifically at women. The AAP, currently in power, initially proposed a monthly allowance of Rs 2,100 for women under its Mahila Samman Yojana. This triggered a tit-for-tat response from both the BJP and Congress, who upped the ante by promising Rs 2,500 per month. The BJP's Mahila Samridhi Yojana mirrors similar successful schemes implemented in other states like Madhya Pradesh and Maharashtra, highlighting a strategic attempt to replicate proven success. Beyond the monthly allowance, all three parties have pledged additional financial aid for pregnant women and complimentary public transport for women, underscoring a concerted effort to secure the female vote through tangible financial benefits.
The BJP's recently released manifesto, the 'Sankalp Patra', details a comprehensive set of promises aimed at women, families, and the underprivileged. Beyond the Rs 2,500 monthly allowance, it promises Rs 21,000 for pregnant women, subsidies on LPG cylinders, and affordable meals at Atal canteens located in slum areas. The party assures that existing welfare schemes like free electricity and free bus rides for women will be maintained if they are elected. The AAP, meanwhile, has broadened its promises to include free healthcare for senior citizens, stipends for religious leaders, and scholarships for Dalit students, highlighting a more comprehensive approach to social welfare beyond the core financial aid for women.
The Congress party has also entered the fray with its 'five guarantees' package, offering competitive benefits to women. Their 'Pyari Didi Yojna' mirrors the other parties' cash transfer initiatives, promising a monthly allowance of Rs 2,500. In addition to this, the Congress is also promising free electricity up to 300 units, subsidized LPG cylinders, free ration kits, and comprehensive health insurance coverage. This approach attempts to appeal to a broader spectrum of needs beyond solely monetary support, aiming to address concerns related to food security and healthcare access.
The escalating promises of freebies raise significant concerns about the fiscal implications for the Delhi government. Experts like Gautam Lahiri have voiced apprehensions about the unsustainable nature of this competition, warning against potentially crippling the state's finances and hindering essential infrastructure development. The Supreme Court has also expressed similar concerns regarding the lack of accountability associated with such large-scale welfare programs. The debate highlights the tension between populist politics aimed at winning elections and the long-term financial sustainability and responsible governance of the state.
The upcoming Delhi elections represent a crucial test of the electorate's priorities. While the focus on women voters and the showering of financial incentives demonstrate the political significance of this demographic, the longer-term consequences of these ambitious promises remain to be seen. The sustainability of these schemes and their potential impact on Delhi's financial health are critical issues that deserve thorough public debate and scrutiny. The election will not only determine the next government but also set a precedent for future electoral strategies and the balance between populist appeals and fiscal responsibility.
Source: Delhi election 2025: AAP, BJP, Congress focus on cash transfers, women voters with freebies