New Delhi, 17 January 2025 – The Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) unveiled its election manifesto for Delhi on Friday, promising a range of welfare measures, particularly for women, in a bid to secure votes. BJP president JP Nadda, while releasing the Sankalp Patra, declared, “This manifesto will lay the foundation of a developed Delhi,” emphasizing the party’s vision for governance.
Key highlights include a monthly aid of ₹2,500 for women, LPG cylinders at a subsidized ₹500 for economically weaker families, and one free cylinder each during Holi and Diwali. Pregnant women will receive ₹21,000 and six nutritional kits under the proposed Chief Minister Matritva Suraksha Yojana. Seniors aged 70 or above will benefit from free outpatient services, diagnostic tests, and treatment costs capped at ₹10 lakh. Senior citizen pensions will rise to ₹3,000 for widows, divyangs, and destitutes, while others will see a hike to ₹2,500.
Additionally, the BJP aims to implement Ayushman Bharat Yojana, combining central and state efforts to provide a ₹10 lakh medical coverage for low-income households. Another proposed initiative, Atal Canteens, will offer meals at ₹5.
Nadda assured voters that existing public welfare schemes, such as free bus travel, would continue under a BJP government, adding, “We will enhance these programs by increasing the fleet of buses.”
Arvind Kejriwal dismissed the manifesto, calling it a replication of Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) policies. “Their manifesto can be summed up as ‘Arvind Kejriwal’s work is good, and we will continue it,’” he remarked. He challenged the BJP to publicly acknowledge the benefits of AAP’s schemes, including free water, electricity, and bus services.
Kejriwal accused the BJP of hypocrisy, recalling how the Prime Minister had criticized him for offering freebies but was now following suit. “Instead of addressing law and order or providing housing for jhuggi dwellers, they are mimicking our welfare programs,” he added.
The BJP’s promises mirror AAP’s and Congress’s earlier pledges. AAP has offered ₹2,100 per month to women, while Congress announced ₹2,500. However, BJP leaders maintained their focus on women empowerment, citing initiatives like increased maternity leave introduced by the central government.
With the election looming, the BJP has promised to reshape welfare policies, asserting its vision for “a stronger, more inclusive Delhi.”
