Congress plans to introduce schemes like cash benefits and free education to boost its electoral prospects.
New Delhi: Ahead of the crucial Delhi Assembly elections, Delhi Congress is in full swing, with Ajay Maken and Jai Prakash Aggarwal emerging as potential chief ministerial candidates.
In an exclusive conversation with The Sunday Guardian, Delhi Congress President Devendra Yadav, when asked about the party’s chief ministerial candidate, said, “There are several senior leaders who have the potential and credibility to lead Delhi, such as Ajay Maken, J.P. Aggarwal and others. However, the final decision rests with the party’s high command.”
With welfare schemes being announced just ahead of the elections and emerging as a major poll plank, Delhi Congress is now following in the footsteps of AAP and BJP. The party is likely to announce key welfare schemes, such as Rs 3,000 monthly cash benefit for women, free education for the poor, and other similar initiatives.
Hinting that the party’s manifesto, set to be released in early 2025, will include significant welfare schemes, Yadav said, “I cannot disclose all the details as of now. We are at the final stage of planning the manifesto and are likely to announce major welfare schemes.”
While these schemes have fuelled speculation about their electoral intent, Yadav defended them, emphasising that they are aimed at uplifting the poor and marginalised.
“These are not just poll planks; they are practical solutions to pressing issues such as education, employment, pollution, and cleaning the Yamuna,” he said, adding that the party will release a well-thought-out plan that won’t jeopardise the financial stability of Delhi.
With Congress having already announced 47 out of 70 candidates, Yadav revealed that key party leaders, including Party President Mallikarjun Kharge, Leader of Opposition Rahul Gandhi, Priyanka Gandhi, and other senior leaders will kick off the campaign once the final list and manifesto are unveiled.
Delhi Congress, considered the weakest party in the last three elections, is emerging as a strong political force, likely impacting the electoral calculus of both AAP and BJP.
Meanwhile, tensions are escalating between I.N.D.I.A bloc partners, Congress and AAP. AAP accused Ajay Maken of labelling Arvind Kejriwal “anti-national” and alleged that the grand old party is secretly collaborating with the BJP to weaken AAP’s prospects. Chief Minister Atishi further warned that if Congress does not take action against Maken, she would push for the party’s ouster from the I.N.D.I.A bloc.
As Delhi’s political battle intensifies, all eyes will be on Congress’s next moves as it seeks to reclaim it’s footing in the national capital and challenge both AAP and BJP. The Delhi elections are also seen as a critical test for the I.N.D.I.A bloc, which is already grappling with internal tensions.