The Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) has made a historic comeback in Delhi after 26 years, securing a landslide victory in the Delhi Assembly elections. With over 48 seats, BJP has ended the long reign of the Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) and is now set to form the new government in the national capital.
During the elections, all major parties, including BJP, AAP, and Congress, made big promises to the people of Delhi. Now that the BJP has emerged victorious, all eyes are on how and when the party will fulfill the commitments made in its manifesto. The party had pledged free and subsidized services, including gas cylinders, financial aid for women, free education, and employment opportunities. Let’s take a closer look at what the BJP had promised and what changes Delhiites can expect.
Major Promises in BJP’s Election Manifesto
- Affordable Cooking Gas for Women: Poor women will receive LPG cylinders at ₹500 and two free gas cylinders every year on Holi and Diwali.
- Support for Pregnant Women: ₹21,000 financial aid and six nutrition kits for pregnant women.
- Monthly Allowance for Women: Under the ‘Mahila Samriddhi Yojana’, women will receive ₹2,500 per month.
- Implementation of Ayushman Bharat: The first Cabinet meeting will approve Ayushman Bharat, providing free treatment up to ₹10 lakh at both government and private hospitals.
- Atal Canteens for the Poor: Special canteens in slum areas will offer full meals for ₹5.
- Financial Aid for Students: ₹15,000 assistance for competitive exam aspirants and ₹1,000 per month for SC students enrolled in technical or vocational courses.
- Employment Opportunities: 50,000 government jobs and 20 lakh employment and self-employment opportunities will be generated.
- Support for Registered Workers: ₹3 lakh loan facility and ₹10,000 assistance for skill development and equipment purchase.
- Pension for Senior Citizens: Pending pensions will be reinstated. Pension for senior citizens aged 60+ will be increased to ₹2,500, while those aged 70+ will receive ₹3,000 per month.
- Free Education from KG to PG: BJP has promised free education from kindergarten to post-graduation in government institutions.
Will Free Electricity, Water, and Bus Travel Continue?
During the election campaign, Prime Minister Narendra Modi assured Delhiites that BJP will not discontinue existing public welfare schemes. This was in response to concerns raised by AAP chief Arvind Kejriwal, who claimed that BJP would abolish free electricity, water, and bus travel if elected.
BJP has clearly stated that these schemes will continue, meaning:
200 units of free electricity will remain intact.
20,000 liters of free water per household will be available.
Free bus travel for women will continue.
With BJP forming the government in Delhi, residents now await the implementation of these promises, hoping for new reforms while retaining existing welfare benefits.
