New Delhi [India]: Union Home Minister Amit Shah addressed a rally in Rajouri Garden, Delhi, ahead of the February 5 Assembly elections, unveiling a series of promises aimed at boosting BJP’s appeal among voters. From free healthcare to urban development, Shah outlined key initiatives that the BJP plans to implement if elected to power.
Key Announcements
Healthcare Reforms
- Free Treatment up to ₹10 Lakh: Shah pledged free medical treatment up to ₹10 lakh for Delhi residents, exceeding the ₹5 lakh limit under the Ayushman Bharat scheme, which he criticized AAP for not implementing.
- Critiquing the AAP government’s Mohalla Clinics, he emphasized the need for robust healthcare facilities that also address major medical operations.
Urban Development and Infrastructure
- Yamuna Riverfront Development: Inspired by Ahmedabad’s Sabarmati Riverfront, the BJP promised to develop a Yamuna Riverfront within five years, claiming it would surpass earlier promises by the AAP to clean the Yamuna.
- 13,000 Electric Buses: Shah announced plans to convert 13,000 buses to electric, aiming to make Delhi a 100% electric-bus city.
- Public Transport Investment: ₹20,000 crore will be allocated to develop an integrated public transport network.
Employment and Welfare
- 50,000 Government Jobs: The BJP plans to provide 50,000 corruption-free government jobs and create 20 lakh self-employment opportunities.
- Workers Welfare Board: Workers will receive life insurance coverage up to ₹10 lakh and accident insurance up to ₹5 lakh.
- Street Vendors Support: Doubling the PM Swanidhi scheme and providing financial aid to street vendors were also highlighted.
Women’s and Children’s Welfare
- Increased Pensions: Senior citizens’ pensions will increase from ₹2,000 to ₹2,500, and widows’ pensions from ₹2,500 to ₹3,000.
- Nutrition Support: Pregnant women will receive ₹12,000 and six nutrition kits.
- Affordable Meals: Atal Canteens will provide nutritious meals for ₹5 in JJ Clusters.
Other Commitments
- Ownership Rights: Over 1,700 unauthorized colonies will be granted full ownership rights, including refugee colonies established since 1947.
- Shop Reopenings: Plans to reopen 13,000 sealed shops within six months through a judicial authority.
- Tourism Development: A Mahabharata Corridor will be created in collaboration with Uttar Pradesh and Haryana.
- Manual Scavenging Eradication: Shah vowed to end manual scavenging completely, calling it inhumane.
Criticism of AAP
Amit Shah accused AAP of spreading misinformation about BJP’s policies and failing to deliver on promises, including cleaning the Yamuna and providing sufficient arrangements for Chhath Puja. He mocked Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal’s earlier pledge to bathe in a clean Yamuna, stating, “Even an effigy immersed in the Yamuna fell ill.”
Election Context
The Delhi Assembly elections are expected to witness a three-way contest among AAP, BJP, and Congress. In 2020, AAP dominated with 62 of 70 seats, while BJP secured 8. Congress, once dominant in Delhi, has failed to win a single seat in the last two elections.