With AAP raining freebies ahead of the Assembly elections, BJP also rushes in counter list of vote-catchers, including housing push
NEW DELHI: The Delhi Assembly elections will take place in February next year. Ahead of it, the Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) government has made a number of promises. These include free rides for women on Metro trains, state-run electric buses and free electricity consumption of 200 units.
BJP too, is trying to grab attention of voters by promising housing benefits to people. The Congress Party is yet to come into the arena, still smarting from the demise of its Delhi leader, Sheila Dikshit.
Addressing a gathering of visitors at his residence on Sunday, Kejriwal dared BJP and Congress to announce a free electricity scheme in other states.
“BJP and Congress are not able to understand if they should support it or oppose it. They are calling it an election stunt. They are contesting elections in Maharashtra and Haryana, I challenge them to do a similar election stunt,” he said.
“Water, power, hospitals, schools and transport for women must be free for a dignified life. BJP should clarify its stand. It’s election time. Let them do the same,” AAP chief said.
Delhi’s ruling party has also approved a fresh batch of Delhi Transport Corporation (DTC) buses. They have also promised property ownership to residents of unauthorised colonies.
Opposition claims that the ruling party is indulging in election gimmicks by announcing doles. “Free electricity and free metro is just a way to fool people, Kejriwal should come clean on his governance in the last four and a half years,” said Delhi Congress spokesperson Ramakant Goswami.
A worry for the ruling AAP is that its vote share has gone down. From 33.1 percent in 2014, the percentage has come down to 18.1 in 2019.