As the Delhi Assembly elections for 2025 approach, the Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) has released its manifesto, promising 15 guarantees to the people of Delhi. These guarantees are aimed at shaping the future of the capital if AAP retains power. However, the backdrop to these elections is laden with challenges for Arvind Kejriwal, the former Delhi Chief Minister, whose credibility has been called into question after his alleged involvement in the liquor scam and failures to fulfill previous promises.
Key Highlights of AAP’s Manifesto
15 Guarantees Promised: AAP’s manifesto offers a series of guarantees, with promises spanning various sectors like education, healthcare, infrastructure, and basic amenities.
Focus areas include free electricity, clean drinking water, better roads, improved health services, and quality education.
Specific guarantees remain consistent with AAP’s earlier policies, such as free bus rides for women and Mohalla Clinics.
Unfulfilled Promises from 2020: During the manifesto release, Kejriwal admitted that his government failed to deliver on three major promises made during the 2020 elections, including cleaning the Yamuna river and certain infrastructure projects.
Commitment to Transparency: Kejriwal apologized for previous shortcomings and pledged that the unfulfilled promises would be a top priority for the next term if elected.
Criticism of AAP’s Governance
AAP’s governance has been under scrutiny, particularly concerning its financial management and implementation of past promises:
Unrealistic Budgeting: The party’s previous budgets were based on overly optimistic revenue projections. For instance, while projecting revenues of ₹72,000 crores, the actual earnings reportedly fell short by ₹10,000 crores, creating a budget deficit.
Critics argue that AAP’s “freebie culture” places a significant financial burden on the state’s exchequer.
Failure in Infrastructure Development: Promises like constructing 500 new schools, 20 colleges, and numerous hospitals remain largely unfulfilled.
Key infrastructure areas, such as overbridges, water supply systems, and flood management, have seen minimal progress.
Healthcare and Education: While AAP claims significant improvements in government schools and Mohalla Clinics, critics point out that these fall short of matching the standards of private institutions like DPS and other renowned schools.
Urban Development and Services: There has been a noted decline in urban infrastructure investment, with issues such as garbage management, unclean drains, and traffic jams persisting.
The transport department saw a 25% budget cut, impacting public transport services despite free rides for women.
The Liquor Scam Controversy: Arvind Kejriwal’s involvement in the alleged liquor scam has significantly damaged his image as an “honest leader.” The scam, involving crores, has raised questions about AAP’s transparency and governance practices.
Public and Political Sentiment
The manifesto release has reignited debates around AAP’s ability to deliver on its promises:
Critics’ Take: Opposition parties, including the BJP and Congress, have labeled AAP’s manifesto as yet another attempt to mislead the public with empty promises. They emphasize the party’s failure to deliver on earlier commitments and question the financial feasibility of the new guarantees.
Public Opinion: The electorate appears divided, with some expressing disillusionment over unmet expectations while others still appreciate the benefits they have received, such as free electricity and healthcare access.
Comparisons with Neighbouring Cities: Observers have highlighted the stagnation in Delhi’s development compared to neighboring regions like Noida and Gurgaon, which continue to witness significant growth. Critics argue that Delhi’s policies under AAP have discouraged investment and exacerbated urban challenges.
What’s ahead?
As the Delhi Assembly elections draw closer, the Aam Aadmi Party faces an uphill battle. While its manifesto reiterates ambitious promises, questions linger about its ability to fulfill them amidst financial constraints and waning credibility. With the BJP and Congress gearing up their campaigns, the elections are shaping up to be a litmus test for Arvind Kejriwal and his party’s governance model. Delhi is already in a budget deficit, and the promises made by Arvind Kejriwal seem unrealistic and never to be fulfilled.
The people of Delhi will ultimately decide whether AAP’s guarantees hold promise for the future or remain another chapter in the city’s political drama.
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