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THE DELHI ELECTION ROUND-UP

February 5, 2025, 3:04 am

Campaigning for the Delhi Elections has ended and the capital city will go to vote on 5th February. One interesting take away from the campaign was the Citizens’ Voice. While covering the campaign I spoke to a cross section of voters. Those in the slums and lower income groups appreciated the various bouquets of welfare schemes that were being promised by each political party in the fray.

However in South Delhi, while talking to a group of professionals and salaried class voters, the refrain was unanimous. In fact one voter identified himself as the Taxpayer who pays for all the freebies promised by the politicians. That was the mood of the entire group, a sense of outrage that instead of delivering on development and jobs, the politicians are resorting to the band aid of handouts and that too with the other hand in the taxpayer’s pocket. Those who are hurt the most belong to the salaried class and the middle class.

To an extent Nirmala Sitharaman the finance minister has tried to assuage the middle class with the budget. But, as the joke goes, you have cut income tax. Now, how about giving us some income? The demand for jobs and unemployment is still there and none of the government schemes seem to have made much headway including the internship scheme. Lay-offs rather than recruitment slips are being handed out. This is a problem not just for the next government of Delhi but for each and every government that rules our states as well as the government at the centre.

Apart from that, who has the edge in Delhi? Well it did seem that initially the Aam Admi Party was ahead with a huge margin between it and the BJP with the COngress being reduced to the role of a spoiler. But of late the BJP seems to be catching up and there is a real fight for the next chief ministership of Delhi. The BJP waited for the AAP campaign to peak before it unleashed its manifesto and stepped up its rallies and public meetings.

Before that, as many as 27 leaders had been deployed throughout the city, ranging from stalwarts like Dharmendra Pradhan, Anurag Thakur etc with the Delhi incharge Jay Panda overseeing the operation under the aegis of Amit Shah himself. The reach out has been comprehensive, and the BJP does seem to have closed the gap substantially. Will it be enough to wrest the capital city away from the Aam Admi Party ? The answer to that lies with the voter. The rest of us will know on 8th February which is counting day.

Kejriwal’s Govt will be formed with a huge margin: Delhi CM Atishi

February 3, 2025, 8:40 pm

As the Delhi Assembly elections approach, Chief Minister Atishi, during her roadshow in the Kalkaji assembly constituency on Monday, stressed that votes are won by gaining people’s trust, not by “threatening” them.

Her statement was in response to an anecdote she shared: “An elderly woman told me that BJP’s ‘goons’ had come, asking her not to vote for ‘Jhaadu’. She told me that she will see what happens when she goes to vote on February 5.”

Expressing confidence in her party’s victory, Atishi added, “Votes are earned by winning the hearts of the people, not by threatening them. The people of Delhi will vote for us on our work.”

Speaking about the turnout at her roadshow, she said, “The enthusiasm of the people and the number in which they have shown up shows that the people love Arvind Kejriwal. We have the power of people with us and this is what is important in democracy. Arvind Kejriwal’s government will be formed with a huge margin.”

With the Delhi Assembly elections set for February 5, Atishi and AAP national convenor Arvind Kejriwal held a roadshow in Kalkaji, where Kejriwal predicted a sweeping victory for his party. “The election campaign is ending at 5:00 PM today. I have visited the entire Delhi. I think that we are going to win 55 seats. But if mothers and sisters push hard, we can win up to 60 seats,” he said.

Making a direct appeal to women voters, Kejriwal urged them to convince their families to support AAP. “This election is for women. Every woman should go and vote and explain to men that every vote should go to the broom. There is nothing in the BJP. It is the party of the rich,” he remarked.

He further asserted that AAP would secure a historic win in the New Delhi, Kalkaji, and Jangpura constituencies.

Monday marked the final day of campaigning for the elections. The national capital will vote on February 5, with results set to be announced on February 8.

BJP’s Stunt: Dipping Kejriwal’s Poster in Yamuna to Highlight Polluted River

January 25, 2025, 1:57 pm

The Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) has made the issue of Yamuna river pollution a central point in their Delhi Assembly election campaign, launching a fresh attack on former Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal. On Saturday, BJP’s New Delhi constituency candidate, Parvesh Verma, took a boat ride on the Yamuna River, holding a life-size cut-out of Kejriwal. The cut-out showed Kejriwal with his ear covered in shame, with the slogan: “Main fail ho gaya, mujhe vote mat dena, 2025 tak main Yamuna saaf nai kar paya” (I am a failure, Don’t vote for me as I failed to clean Yamuna river by 2025).

#WATCH | BJP candidate from the New Delhi assembly constituency, Parvesh Verma reaches Yamuna Ghat; takes a jibe at AAP National Convenor Arvind Kejriwal over the issue of cleaning Yamuna River. pic.twitter.com/uAVHPwOpDx

— ANI (@ANI) January 25, 2025

Verma’s Public Stunt Highlights BJP’s Criticism

Verma submerged the cut-out in the Ganga River multiple times, further emphasizing the BJP’s criticism of the AAP-led government’s failure to clean the Yamuna. He stated, “We can clean all the water of Yamuna Maaiya. Cleaning it is not rocket science. All the silt should be removed by machines, sewerage treatment plants should be built, and water treatment plants should be built. Just like our Prime Minister Modi Ji built the Sabarmati Riverfront, the Yamuna Riverfront can be built in the same way. 11 years is a very long time.”

Yamuna Pollution Becomes a Key Election Issue

Pollution in the Yamuna River has dominated the political discussions in Delhi, as it has been heavily polluted for years. The ruling AAP had promised to clean the river by 2025, but the lack of progress has given the opposition ample ammunition. Voters in Delhi are frustrated, with growing concerns about the health risks posed by the polluted waters.

Political Leaders Exchange Barbs Over the Issue

The controversy intensified as political leaders clashed over the issue. Samajwadi Party leader Akhilesh Yadav came to Kejriwal’s defense, questioning whether Uttar Pradesh CM Yogi Adityanath would dare drink water from the Yamuna in Mathura. He mocked Adityanath’s criticism of Kejriwal on the pollution issue.

Meanwhile, Congress candidate Alka Lamba, running from Kalkaji, accused both the BJP and Congress of reducing the Yamuna problem to a political issue. She emphasized that Congress, if given the opportunity, would focus on cleaning the river without resorting to blame games, as she claimed Kejriwal had done with Purvanchal.

Delhi Assembly Elections 2025

The Delhi Assembly elections are scheduled for February 5, with the vote counting set for February 8. A total of 699 candidates are vying for the 70 seats in the national capital.

Delhi Polls: 699 Candidates Filed, New Delhi Tops with 23 Contenders

January 21, 2025, 4:47 am

A total of 699 candidates are set to contest the elections for 70 Delhi Assembly seats on February 5, according to the Election Commission (EC).

The deadline for submitting nominations was January 17, with scrutiny completed on January 18 and the last date for withdrawal of nominations being January 20, the EC stated.

The New Delhi constituency, where former Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal is contesting, has the highest number of candidates at 23. The BJP has fielded Parvesh Verma, son of former CM Sahib Singh Verma, while the Congress has nominated Sandeep Dikshit, son of former CM Sheila Dikshit, for this seat.

Patel Nagar and Kasturba Nagar have the fewest candidates, with just five each. Other constituencies with six candidates include Tilak Nagar, Karol Bagh, Gandhi Nagar, Greater Kailash, Mangol Puri, and Tri Nagar, as per EC data.

Key candidates in the Greater Kailash seat include AAP’s Saurabh Bhardwaj, BJP’s Shikha Rai, and Congress’ Garvit Singhvi. In Kasturba Nagar, the main contenders are AAP’s Ramesh Pahalwan, BJP’s Neeraj Basoya, and Congress’ Abhishek Dutt.

As polling day nears, Delhi’s political scene is intensifying. The BJP has accused the Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) of fielding the highest number of candidates with criminal records, despite AAP’s earlier stance against such practices.

“Aam Aadmi Party used to say that they do not want criminals in their assembly because criminals will not be able to pass important and strict laws. But when the list (of candidates) was released, it was found that the Aam Aadmi Party has the highest number of people with criminal records — nearly 60%, followed by Congress. This means that Aam Aadmi Party has taken a U-turn once again,” BJP leader Shehzad Poonawalla told ANI.

The single-phase polling for Delhi’s 70 assembly seats will take place on February 5, with votes to be counted on February 8.

The Congress, which held power in Delhi for 15 consecutive years, has faced severe setbacks in the last two assembly elections, failing to win a single seat. In contrast, AAP dominated both the 2015 and 2020 elections, winning 67 and 62 seats, respectively, out of 70, while the BJP secured only three seats in 2015 and eight in 2020.

Kejriwal Promises Free Electricity and Water for Delhi Tenants if AAP Wins

January 18, 2025, 2:16 pm

Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) leader Arvind Kejriwal announced on Saturday that the party intends to offer free electricity and water to tenants if they win the upcoming Delhi assembly elections.

Extending Benefits to Tenants

Kejriwal explained that tenants have been excluded from the existing free electricity and water schemes. He highlighted that tenants are an essential part of Delhi’s population and should be included in these benefits.

Quote from Kejriwal

“Wherever I go, I meet people living on rent who say they benefit from good schools and hospitals but are deprived of free electricity and water schemes,” Kejriwal stated.

Campaign Focus

This announcement comes as AAP intensifies its campaign for the Delhi assembly elections, which are scheduled for February 5, with results expected on February 8. The party is aiming for a third consecutive term, focusing on its welfare programs, including free utilities and better public services as key accomplishments.

BJP unveils manifesto, vows Rs 2,500 to women in delhi

January 18, 2025, 1:52 am

Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) National President and Union Minister J.P. Nadda unveiled the party’s Delhi Assembly election manifesto, titled the Sankalp Patra, on Friday. Among the key promises is a monthly allowance of Rs 2,500 for every woman in Delhi under the Mahila Samridhi Yojana. The BJP also pledged to continue all existing welfare schemes currently operational in the national capital.

Highlighting the central government’s flagship health initiative, the BJP vowed to implement the Ayushman Bharat scheme for 51 lakh residents of Delhi, providing health insurance coverage of Rs 5 lakh from the very first cabinet meeting. “Once we form the government in Delhi, the Ayushman Bharat scheme will be implemented for 51 lakh people who were deprived of its benefits under the AAP government. Additionally, we will offer an extra Rs 5 lakh insurance cover,” Nadda stated.

Calling the manifesto a “foundation for a developed Delhi,” Nadda expressed confidence in winning the election. He emphasized that the Sankalp Patra was prepared after extensive public consultation, which included over 12,000 meetings and feedback from approximately 1.8 lakh individuals. The party also used 41 LED vans to gather ideas directly from the people.

Criticizing the ruling AAP government, Nadda accused it of corruption, particularly in its Mohalla clinics. “Their Mohalla Clinics are hubs of corruption, designed to mislead people. Fraudulent lab tests worth Rs 300 crore have been conducted. Our government will thoroughly investigate these scams,” he asserted.

Nadda also criticized AAP’s unfulfilled promises, pointing to its track record of unkept commitments. “They promised Rs 2,100 per month in 2021, but failed to deliver in both Delhi and Punjab. In 2024, they promised Rs 1,000 per month but, as expected, failed again. Even subsidies on LPG were not provided. This is the real track record of what I call ‘AAPda,’” he added.

The BJP promised to introduce several initiatives, including free OPD and diagnostic services for all individuals aged 70 and above. Additionally, the party will provide Rs 10 lakh health cover and increase the Senior Citizen’s Pension from Rs 2,000 to Rs 2,500 for those aged 60-70.

Senior citizens, widows, specially-abled, and destitute aged over 70 years will see a pension increase from Rs 2,500 to Rs 3,000.

In a step towards improving the quality of life in underserved areas, the BJP proposed the launch of Atal Canteens in JJ clusters to provide nutritious meals for just Rs 5.

The BJP also reassured that once in power, the party would continue existing welfare schemes while making them more efficient and transparent, eliminating corruption from the process.

The BJP said these initiatives aim to enhance the welfare of Delhi’s residents, particularly the marginalized and vulnerable groups, signalling the BJP’s commitment to social welfare and development in the national capital.

The Delhi Assembly elections are scheduled to take place in a single phase on February 5, with votes to be counted on February 8. The election is expected to be a three-way contest among the ruling Aam Aadmi Party (AAP), the BJP, and the Congress. The Congress, which ruled Delhi for 15 years consecutively, has faced significant setbacks in the last two elections and failed to secure a single seat. The BJP, on the other hand, has been out of power in Delhi since 1993.

Top Promises

Rs. 2,500 every month to every woman in Delhi through Mahila Samridhi Yojana.
LPG cylinders at Rs 500 to women from poor sections. One free cylinder on Holi and Diwali
6 nutrition kits and Rs 21,000 will be given to every pregnant woman.
‘Ayushman Bharat’ for 51 lakh people during first cabinet meeting, which will provide health coverage of Rs 5 lakh per family
Rs 2,500 pension for senior citizens between the age of 60-70.
‘Atal Canteens’ in slums and JJ clusters to provide nutritious meals at the cost of Rs 5.

Akhilesh Yadav Backs AAP in Delhi, Clarifies INDIA Alliance Stance

January 15, 2025, 2:05 pm

Samajwadi Party leader Akhilesh Yadav announced on Wednesday that his party is supporting AAP in Delhi, noting that AAP is stronger than Congress in the region. Speaking to ANI, he explained, “The regional party fighting against the BJP should be supported by the leaders of the INDIA alliance. AAP and Congress are fighting against each other in Delhi. AAP is strong, and we have decided to stand with them. The question is about Delhi, and our goal is to defeat the BJP. Congress and AAP share the same goal.”

INDIA Alliance Remains Solid, Says Yadav

Yadav further emphasized that the INDIA alliance is still intact. He added, “I remember when the INDIA alliance was formed, it was decided that wherever a regional party was strong, the alliance would extend support to them.”

CPI’s D Raja Acknowledges INDIA Bloc’s Division

However, CPI General Secretary D Raja acknowledged the fragmentation within the INDIA alliance. He admitted that the opposition is divided, particularly in Delhi, where AAP and Congress are contesting separately. Raja said, “It is a fact that the Opposition is divided. AAP is contesting on its own, Congress is contesting on its own, and Left parties are contesting wherever they are capable of putting up a fight.”

BJP Claims INDIA Alliance Is ‘Scattered’

BJP leaders have criticized the INDIA bloc, claiming it has no clear direction. Union Home Minister Amit Shah previously stated that the alliance is falling apart. He pointed out that in Mumbai, Shiv Sena (UBT) and Congress are preparing to contest the elections separately. “The INDIA alliance has completely disintegrated,” Shah said.

Delhi Assembly Elections Approach

The Delhi assembly elections are scheduled for February 5, with results to be counted on February 8. AAP has already announced its candidates for all 70 seats, while BJP has named candidates for 59 seats. The last date to file nominations is January 17, with scrutiny on January 18 and withdrawal deadlines by January 20.

Congress Struggles, AAP Dominates

While Congress once held power in Delhi for 15 consecutive years, it has faced major setbacks in recent elections. In contrast, AAP dominated the 2020 Delhi assembly elections, winning 62 out of 70 seats, leaving the BJP with only 8.

Kejriwal Criticizes BJP Over Delhi Slum Dwellers’ Future

January 12, 2025, 2:49 pm

Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) national convener Arvind Kejriwal has harshly criticized the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP), claiming that the slums in Delhi will be demolished within the next five years, leaving many residents homeless.

Allegations Against BJP’s Concern for Slum Dwellers

Kejriwal accused BJP leaders of showing false concern for slum dwellers, saying, “They didn’t stay in the slums for long, but their leaders have been there for the past month. They don’t care about the slum residents. The BJP is a party for the rich.” He further claimed that the BJP sees slum dwellers only as votes during elections and not as people deserving of real help. “They love the land and the votes, but not the people,” Kejriwal stated.

Kejriwal Slams Amit Shah’s Statement on Housing

In response to Union Home Minister Amit Shah’s recent speech, Kejriwal accused him of lying to Delhi’s slum dwellers. He referred to Shah’s promise, “Jaha jhuggi, waha makaan,” and said, “The BJP means, ‘Jaha jhuggi, waha inke dost ke makaan.'”

Lack of Progress on Housing

Kejriwal pointed out that under the BJP’s rule, only 4,700 houses have been built in Delhi since 2014, while there are over 4 lakh slums in the city. He criticized the BJP’s inability to address the housing needs of slum dwellers, stating, “If 4,700 houses were built in 10 years, it will take 1,000 years to provide homes to all slum residents.”

Concerns Over Future of Slum Dwellers

Kejriwal warned that, in the next five years, Delhi’s slums would be demolished, and their residents would be left homeless. He stressed that the BJP does not have a genuine plan to build homes for slum dwellers.

BJP Criticizes AAP Government

In response, the BJP has accused the AAP-led government of corruption, inefficiency, and failure to address rising pollution levels. They have also coined the term “AAPda” to describe what they call the harmful impact of AAP’s governance on Delhi.

AAP Hits Back at BJP

The AAP, on the other hand, has labeled the BJP as the “Galli Galoch Party,” accusing it of using dishonest tactics and engaging in electoral fraud.

Delhi Assembly Elections Nearing

The Delhi Assembly elections are scheduled for February 5, with votes being counted on February 8. Nominations must be filed by January 17, and the last date for withdrawing candidacies is January 20.

Congress’s Decline in Delhi Politics

The Congress party, which once dominated Delhi for 15 years, has struggled in recent elections, failing to secure any seats. Meanwhile, AAP emerged victorious in the 2020 elections, winning 62 out of 70 seats, while the BJP secured just eight.

Ashok Gehlot Launches ‘Jeevan Raksha Yojana’ For Delhi Residents

January 9, 2025, 1:17 am

In preparation for the 2025 Delhi Assembly elections, Congress has launched the ‘Jeevan Raksha Yojana,’ a new health initiative aimed at providing families in Delhi with a health insurance cover of Rs 25 lakh. The announcement was made by former Rajasthan Chief Minister Ashok Gehlot, who described the scheme as a “game changer” for Delhi residents. Gehlot highlighted that the scheme was inspired by Rajasthan’s successful ‘Chiranjeevi Yojana,’ a health initiative that has benefited many families in the state.

A Game-Changer For Delhi’s Health System

Gehlot emphasised the comprehensive nature of the ‘Jeevan Raksha Yojana,’ which, unlike other health schemes like Ayushman Bharat, will provide extensive coverage without restrictions. He expressed confidence that this initiative would have a similar positive impact in Delhi as it did in Rajasthan.

Optimism For 2025 Delhi Elections

During the press conference, Gehlot also reflected on Congress’ growing optimism regarding the upcoming elections, noting that the political landscape in Delhi was shifting. He expressed hope that the 2025 elections would yield a different outcome, with Congress making a strong comeback.

Congress Reaffirms Commitment On Social Media

The Delhi Congress unit reiterated this vision on social media, highlighting that the second election guarantee would be a Rs 25 lakh free medical insurance cover for every Delhi resident. Vaibhav Walia, the Communications Secretary for the Indian National Congress, reaffirmed that the scheme would be implemented when Congress comes to power.

The party’s electoral strategy is focused on the welfare of citizens, particularly the underprivileged sections, contrasting Congress’ commitment to health with the current government’s approach. With elections scheduled for February 5, 2025, Congress aims to regain its influence in Delhi, following setbacks in recent years.

AAP Announces First List of 11 Candidates for 2025 Delhi Assembly Elections

November 21, 2024, 1:37 pm

The Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) has revealed its first list of 11 candidates for the upcoming Delhi Assembly elections, scheduled for early next year. Among these candidates, six are former leaders from the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) and Congress who recently joined AAP.

The list includes former BJP members Brahm Singh Tanwar, Anil Jha, and BB Tyagi, along with former Congress leaders Chaudhry Zubair Ahmad, Veer Dhingan, and Sumesh Shokeen.

Additionally, the party has named Deepak Singla, Sarita Singh, Ram Singh Netaji, Gaurav Sharma, and Manoj Tyagi as part of its slate of candidates.