BJP Unveils Freebie-Packed Manifesto for Delhi Polls, Promises Welfare Boosts
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Prime Minister Narendra Modi has often spoken against the “reverie” (freebie) culture, cautioning against populist measures. However, the first phase of his party BJP’s manifesto for the upcoming Delhi Assembly elections is replete with promises aimed at providing economic relief and welfare benefits to various sections of society.
BJP national president J.P. Nadda unveiled the first part of the manifesto, which includes a series of ambitious promises for women, senior citizens, and the economically disadvantaged. Key announcements included monthly financial aid of ₹2,500 for women, LPG cylinders at ₹500 for poor households, and an enhanced pension of ₹2,500 for senior citizens aged 60-70 years.
At a press conference held at the BJP’s Delhi unit office, Nadda highlighted that the manifesto was prepared after receiving over one lakh suggestions from Delhi residents. He emphasized that the BJP aims to continue and enhance existing public welfare schemes in the national capital if voted to power.
Major Highlights of the BJP’s First Phase of the Manifesto
Benefits for Women and Mothers:
₹2,500 monthly aid for women in Delhi under the “Mahila Samridhi Yojana.”
Subsidized LPG cylinders for poor households at ₹500 per cylinder.
One free LPG cylinder is to be distributed during Holi and Diwali festivals each year.
Pregnant women are to receive six nutritional kits and a financial grant of ₹21,000.
Nadda also mentioned the existing central scheme, Pradhan Mantri Matritva Vandana Yojana, which has already provided ₹5,000 for the first child and ₹6,000 for the second child to approximately 4.73 crore women nationwide.
Pensions for Senior Citizens, Widows, and Differently-Abled Individuals:
Pension for senior citizens aged 60-70 years is to be increased from ₹2,000 to ₹2,500.
For senior citizens above 70, widows, and specially-abled individuals, pensions will rise from ₹2,500 to ₹3,000.
Health and Nutrition Schemes:
A BJP-led Delhi government will approve the implementation of the Centre’s Ayushman Bharat scheme during its first cabinet meeting.
An additional health cover of ₹5 lakh will be provided to residents of Delhi.
Nadda noted that the Supreme Court recently stayed an order directing the Delhi government to sign an MoU with the Union Health Ministry for the Ayushman Bharat Health Infrastructure Mission by January 5. The BJP, he said, is committed to implementing the scheme without delay.
Affordable Meals:
The manifesto introduced the “Atal Canteen Yojana,” which promises meals at just ₹5 for residents living in slum areas and clusters (jhuggi hope).
Assurances of Better Governance and Tackling Corruption
Nadda assured that all existing welfare schemes under the current government would continue but pledged greater efficiency and accountability in their implementation. He also promised investigations into allegations of corruption in the current Arvind Kejriwal-led AAP government’s public welfare schemes.
The BJP leader took a strong stance against AAP, stating, “Our government will ensure transparency and fairness in implementing public welfare programs. Corruption charges in existing schemes will be thoroughly investigated.”
Electoral Schedule and Focus Areas
The BJP manifesto rollout comes ahead of the Delhi Assembly elections, scheduled for February 5, with results to be announced on February 8. The BJP has promised to release the manifesto in three to four phases, with the first phase targeting women, senior citizens, and economically vulnerable groups.
“We have listened to the voices of Delhi’s residents. This manifesto reflects their aspirations and is a commitment to bring better governance and development,” Nadda said, adding that the party’s focus is on transforming Delhi with a pragmatic and transparent approach.
Summary of Part-1 Manifesto Promises
₹2,500 monthly aid for women under the Mahila Samridhi Yojana.
LPG cylinders at ₹500 for poor women; one free cylinder on Holi and Diwali.
Six nutritional kits and ₹21,000 for pregnant mothers.
Implementation of Ayushman Bharat Yojana in the first cabinet meeting, along with an additional health cover of ₹5 lakh.
Increased pensions: ₹2,500 for senior citizens aged 60-70, ₹3,000 for those above 70, widows, and specially-abled people.
Atal Canteen Yojana offers meals at ₹5 for slum residents.
The BJP’s promises are aimed at addressing the welfare needs of Delhi’s residents, targeting vulnerable sections of society while committing to efficient and corruption-free governance.
