Delhi Polls 2025: BJP Promises Free Education Up to PG, Insurance Benefits for Auto Drivers

Delhi Polls 2025: BJP Promises Free Education Up to PG, Insurance Benefits for Auto Drivers

Delhi Polls 2025: BJP Promises Free Education Up to PG, Insurance Benefits for Auto Drivers

BJP Promises Free Education Up to PG: As the Delhi Assembly elections for 2025 begin to approach, the Bharatiya Janata Party released its second election manifesto, igniting a hot debate with Aam Aadmi Party. As February 5 marks the polling day and the counting of votes on February 8, the battle between both parties is hotting up with issues like education, welfare, and governance coming at the forefront.

BJP Promises Free Education, Youth Support, and Welfare Schemes

The BJP manifesto, in an effort to attract the voters’ attention, makes grandiose promises. The former Union Minister, Anurag Thakur, launched the document while assuring that Delhi’s downtrodden will be empowered. Key highlights of the manifesto include the following:

  1. Free Education from KG to PG:
    The BJP assured free education to students in Delhi government schools and colleges from kindergarten to postgraduate level for students from economically backward classes.
  2. Competitive Exam Aspirants
    Economically disadvantaged youth preparing for competitive exams will receive a one-time financial aid of ₹15,000. During the journey of preparation, twice, travel and application fees will be reimbursed.
  3. Scholarships to SC Students:
    Under the new Dr. B.R. Ambedkar Scholarship Scheme, SC students studying technical and vocational education will be given ₹1,000. The BJP has criticized the AAP government for a meager amount of scholarship being distributed over the last five years.
  4. Welfare for Auto and Taxi Drivers:
    The manifesto suggests setting up a Welfare Board for auto and taxi drivers with life insurance cover up to ₹10 lakh, accident insurance cover of ₹5 lakh, and scholarships for education for their children. Even the auto insurance premium would be subsidized.
  5. Recognition of Domestic Helpers:
    They will be formally recognized. A welfare board specifically will provide life insurance, accident insurance, and scholarships for the education of the children of domestic workers.
  6. Street Vendors: Increase the PM SVANidhi Scheme as the BJP aims to increase beneficiaries in Delhi from 1.9 lakh to 4 lakh.
  7. Skill Development Programs:
    New initiatives will focus on empowering youth with advanced skills to boost employment opportunities.
  8. Criticism of AAP’s Governance:
    The BJP accused the AAP government of declining educational standards, citing over one lakh Class 9 failures in Delhi. Allegations of corruption in school infrastructure projects were also raised.

AAP’s Fierce Criticism of BJP’s Agenda

AAP leader and ex-CM Arvind Kejriwal reacted sharply to the BJP’s manifesto, terming it “hazardous” and saying that it would strip away free education and healthcare facilities, including the much-vaunted Mohalla Clinics.

Kejriwal said, “The BJP’s Sankalp Patra is a blueprint for closing government schools and clinics that serve as lifelines for Delhi’s poor and middle class. Their policies will jeopardize the welfare of common citizens.”

Accusations and Counterclaims

The BJP targeted AAP leaders, accusing them of aiding illegal Bangladeshi and Rohingya migrants, alleging that forged documents were being provided to secure resources meant for Delhiites. The party also demanded an apology from AAP over remarks made against the Sikh community, asserting its commitment to respecting all communities.

Kejriwal dismissed these accusations as baseless, reiterating AAP’s commitment to continuing its welfare initiatives and urging voters to reject the BJP’s promises as “hollow and harmful.”

Election Stakes: Vision of a ‘Developed Delhi’

The promise by the BJP on a “developed Delhi” is now promised for five years when the battle over Delhi continues with the AAP focusing again on the current welfare schemes in circulation.

With less than a month until the polls, the outcome will hinge on which narrative resonates more with Delhi’s voters—BJP’s promise of a transformative vision or AAP’s commitment to sustaining its welfare-driven governance model.