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The upcoming Delhi elections are heating up, with the Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) unveiling a significant portion of its manifesto, focusing heavily on attracting the student vote. The centerpiece of this latest announcement is the promise of free travel on public buses and a 50% discount on Metro fares for all school and college students. This bold move by AAP leader Arvind Kejriwal positions the party as a champion of youth, directly contrasting with the BJP's offerings which are more conditional and contingent upon socioeconomic factors. This strategic targeting of a large and politically significant demographic highlights the intensifying competition between the two major parties.
Kejriwal's 'Kejriwal ki guarantees' campaign mirrors the BJP's 'Modi ki guarantees,' demonstrating the increasing reliance on populist pronouncements in this election cycle. The 15 assurances include previously announced benefits like the Rs 2,100 monthly cash transfer for eligible women under the 'Mahila Samman Yojana.' While the AAP frames this as a move to empower women economically, the BJP and other critics might argue that this amounts to unsustainable and potentially fiscally irresponsible 'freebie' politics. The other promises contained in the manifesto, some recycled from the 2020 election, include resolving incorrect water bills, cleaning the Yamuna river, ensuring 24-hour water supply and constructing roads to European standards. Kejriwal attributes the delay in fulfilling these prior pledges to the COVID-19 pandemic and alleged targeting by the BJP. The arrests and jailing of Kejriwal and several other senior AAP leaders on corruption charges starting in May 2022 further fueled the intense political rivalry between the two parties, escalating the conflict to the Supreme Court.
The inclusion of the Dr. B.R. Ambedkar Scholarship scheme, which would cover the educational expenses, travel, and accommodation of Dalit students pursuing studies at international universities, seeks to garner the support of marginalized communities. A further promise of Rs 18,000 monthly aid for temple and gurudwara priests hints at an attempt to gain support among religious groups. The AAP's manifesto reveals a deliberate attempt to build broad-based support through targeted promises, encompassing various segments of the Delhi population. The back-and-forth exchange of manifesto promises between the AAP and BJP underscores the competitive nature of this election, with both parties vying for the support of different key demographics, including women, marginalized communities, and now, students. The BJP’s manifesto, released earlier, also offers various benefits to students, including free education from preschool to postgraduate level for needy students and financial aid for entrance examination candidates. However, the AAP has criticized the BJP's inclusion of an ‘eligible children’ clause in their free education promise, claiming this will lead to bureaucratic hurdles and harassment for parents.
The escalating rivalry between the AAP and the BJP highlights the significance of this election. Both parties have engaged in a heated exchange over promises directed at women voters, recognizing their significant voting power. With over 46% of Delhi's registered voters being women, this demographic plays a crucial role in determining the election's outcome. The final days before the election on February 5th are likely to witness further intense campaigning and debate, focusing on the promises made in each party's manifesto. The sheer number of seats won by AAP in previous elections – 62 out of 70 in 2020 and 67 in 2015 – shows the party’s stronghold, yet the current election remains far from predictable given the intense competition and the strategic maneuvering of the two major players. The outcome will significantly shape the political landscape of Delhi for the next five years, reflecting not only the voters' choices but also the effectiveness of the parties' targeted campaigns and promises.
The overall tone of the article suggests a highly competitive and politically charged atmosphere, focusing on the strategic promises made by political parties aiming to secure votes in the upcoming Delhi elections. The emphasis on specific promises targeted at distinct demographic groups, like students, women, and religious minorities, underlines the importance of tailoring election strategies to different segments of the electorate. The debate surrounding ‘freebies’ and the accusations of irresponsible fiscal policy add another layer of complexity to the discourse. Ultimately, the success of each party's campaign will hinge upon their ability to effectively communicate their promises, address public concerns, and persuade voters that their proposed policies are not only beneficial but also sustainable and viable.
Source: Free Bus Travel, 50% Concession In Metro Fares For Students In AAP Manifesto