Ahead of polls, AAP’s freebie spree to save Kejriwal in Delhi
The Aam Aadmi Party (AAP), which is facing mounting pressure after several leaders, including former Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal, were arrested in corruption cases, is attempting to woo Delhiites with various promises. From playing religious cards to offering welfare schemes for women and senior citizens, AAP is trying everything to secure its base and another term in office.
The AAP has been under scrutiny due to the Delhi excise policy case, in which its convenor, former Deputy Chief Minister Manish Sisodia, and MP Sanjay Singh were jailed. Additionally, the ‘Sheesh Mahal’ controversy has caused embarrassment for Kejriwal, who has been criticized for spending taxpayers’ money on luxury items, contrary to his image as an ‘Aam Aadmi’ (common man).
Facing anti-incumbency, AAP has announced five schemes aimed at gaining votes from temple priests, women, the elderly, and Dalits. These include the Mukhya Mantri Mahila Samman Yojana, which promises financial aid of Rs 2,100 monthly to women whose families’ income is less than Rs 3 lakh per annum, and the Sanjeevani Yojana, which aims to provide free treatment to residents aged over 60 at both private and government hospitals.
However, Kejriwal faced a setback when two departments of the Delhi government claimed that these schemes did not exist.
Additionally, AAP has introduced the Puja Granthi Samman Yojana, which offers an Rs 18,000 monthly allowance to Hindu temple priests and Gurdwara granthis. The party also promised to cover the costs of study, travel, and accommodation for Dalit students from Delhi who gain admission to international universities. Moreover, AAP pledged to expand the pension scheme for senior citizens.
While Congress and the BJP have accused AAP of corruption, Kejriwal’s party continues to portray itself as ‘Kattar Imandaar’ (staunchly honest). Prime Minister Narendra Modi, however, has labeled Kejriwal as ‘kattad beimaan’ (bigoted dishonest).
Citing the Comptroller and Auditor General (CAG) report, the BJP alleged that the renovation of Sheesh Mahal cost over Rs 33.66 crore as of 2022, with no clarity on the total expenditure to date.
In the 2020 Delhi Assembly elections, AAP won 62 out of the 70 seats, while in 2015, it bagged 67 seats. The Election Commission of India is set to announce the poll schedule for Delhi Assembly elections on Tuesday.
Delhi has 1,55,24,858 voters, and the term of the current Delhi Assembly ends on February 23.
