New Delhi, January 8: In a bid to strengthen its position for the upcoming Delhi assembly elections, Congress unveiled the ‘Jeevan Raksha Yojana’ on Wednesday, promising Rs 25 lakh health insurance coverage per family. The announcement was made at a press conference by former Rajasthan Chief Minister Ashok Gehlot.
Gehlot hailed the scheme as a “game changer” for Delhi, drawing parallels with Rajasthan’s successful ‘Chiranjeevi Yojana’. “The ‘Jeevan Raksha Yojana’ will be similar to the Rajasthan model, which has benefited millions. While schemes like Ayushman Bharat have limitations, this initiative will ensure comprehensive health coverage for all,” Gehlot said, expressing confidence in its success in Delhi.
He also spoke about the party’s improving prospects in Delhi, stating, “The situation in Delhi has changed now. Congress is running a stronger campaign, and this time, the results will be different.”
Following the announcement, the Delhi Congress unit shared a tweet, emphasizing that the Rs 25 lakh health cover would be provided to every resident of Delhi once Congress assumes power. “Congress has launched the second guarantee for Delhi elections today. Every Delhiite will get free medical insurance cover of Rs 25 lakh when Congress comes to power,” the tweet read.
The party also highlighted its focus on welfare, particularly for the underprivileged, stating, “In recent elections across the country, the Congress has started a new model of governance focused on the welfare of every citizen.”
Earlier in the day, Uttar Pradesh Congress President Ajay Rai also criticized Delhi’s current governance under Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal, contrasting it with the work done by the late Sheila Dikshit. “Sheila Dikshit served Delhi with commitment, while Kejriwal has not delivered. This time, we will see a change in Delhi, and it will be in Congress’s favor,” Rai said.
The Delhi assembly elections are scheduled for February 5, with vote counting on February 8. The last date for filing nominations is January 17, followed by nomination scrutiny on January 18 and the withdrawal of candidatures by January 20.
Once the dominant force in Delhi, Congress has struggled in recent years, failing to win any seats in the last two assembly elections. In contrast, the Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) emerged victorious in 2020, securing 62 out of 70 seats, while the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) managed only eight seats.