Congress, AAP, and BJP unveil welfare schemes ahead of Delhi elections, intensifying the contest.
New Delhi: The culture of offering freebies, or “muft ke revari,” has become a significant trend in Delhi politics, with most political parties adopting it to attract voters. Following the lead of the Aam Aadmi Party (AAP), Congress, a key member of the I.N.D.I.A bloc, has also adopted this strategy. Congress recently announced several welfare schemes to woo voters ahead of the Delhi Assembly elections scheduled for Wednesday, February 5, 2025, with results to be declared on Saturday, February 8, 2025.
Earlier this week, Congress introduced the Pyari Didi Yojana, promising Rs 2,500 per month to every woman in Delhi if it wins the elections. Additionally, the party unveiled the Jeevan Raksha Yojana, offering free medical treatment worth up to Rs 25 lakh for every Delhi resident. These initiatives are aimed at countering AAP’s welfare-driven approach while addressing key issues like healthcare and women’s financial empowerment. Congress views these initiatives as part of its broader strategy to improve healthcare access and support women in the upcoming elections.
Jeevan Raksha Yojana
This health scheme offers universal insurance coverage of up to Rs 25 lakh for Delhi residents, ensuring free medical treatment for all. It covers hospitalisations, surgeries, and critical illnesses, aiming to reduce out-of-pocket expenses and strengthen the city’s healthcare system. Inspired by Rajasthan’s Chiranjeevi scheme, it seeks to provide equitable access to quality healthcare.
Pyari Didi Scheme
This initiative provides Rs 2,500 monthly financial assistance to eligible women in Delhi, supporting their independence and economic stability. It aims to address gender disparities, empower women, and enhance their role in households and the economy.
In addition, Congress has also promised to provide electricity subsidy of up to 400 units if it forms the government, further intensifying the electoral contest with the Aam Aadmi Party.
Delhi Congress Chief, Devender Yadav, emphasised the urgency of the Jeevan Raksha Yojana due to health issues caused by pollution, contaminated water, and adulterated food. He criticised the Kejriwal government for its failure to strengthen healthcare, highlighting dysfunctional Mohalla Clinics and alarming health statistics in Delhi, including high rates of dengue, TB, diabetes, and respiratory diseases.
Yadav promised the immediate implementation of the Jeevan Raksha Yojana and Pyari Didi Yojana if Congress wins the elections on February 8, prioritising the health of every resident.
On the other hand, AAP has also introduced several welfare schemes ahead of the Delhi Assembly elections. After facing challenges over the past year, including the imprisonment of several top leaders (who are now out on bail), AAP’s administrative momentum has been disrupted.
As a result, AAP’s grassroots strength in Dehi has diminished compared to earlier years. To regain voter confidence, the AAP-led Delhi government has introduced schemes like the Pujari-Granthi Samman Yojana, Mukhyamantri Mahila Samman Yojana, and Sanjeevani Yojana.
Meanwhile, the BJP has yet to announce any major poll promises. However, the party had earlier pledged to extend the electricity subsidy to commercial consumers if it comes to power. Sources within the BJP indicate that the party may unveil additional schemes soon. The BJP has also assured voters that existing AAP government initiatives, including free electricity, water, and the pink pass scheme will continue if it forms the government. Even Prime Minister Narendra Modi has personally emphasised this assurance, potentially boosting BJP’s prospects in the elections.