- By Priyanka Koul
- Tue, 21 Jan 2025 01:55 PM (IST)
- Source:JND
The Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) has announced its second election manifesto ahead of the Delhi Assembly election 2025, outlining major promises to improve education, youth support, and welfare initiatives. If voted to power, the party pledged to provide free education for underprivileged students from kindergarten (KG) to postgraduate (PG) levels in government institutions. The announcement also includes a one-time financial aid of Rs 15,000 for young aspirants preparing for competitive exams.
In a significant move, the BJP announced plans to offer free education to needy students in government schools and colleges, covering the entire span from KG to PG. Additionally, financially struggling students preparing for competitive exams will receive Rs 15,000 in assistance. The party also committed to reimbursing travel and application fees for such candidates twice during their preparation journey.
The Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) released the second part of its manifesto on Tuesday, ahead of the upcoming Delhi Assembly elections. Former Union Minister and senior BJP leader Anurag Thakur unveiled this section of the manifesto, pledging to fulfill all commitments if the party forms the government in Delhi.
He stated, "Our vision is a developed Delhi. Within five years, we will achieve our goals. A developed India requires a developed Delhi. Wherever the BJP has been in power, public welfare has been its priority. The central government, in collaboration with state governments, has addressed citizen issues while providing essential services."
The party also announced plans to provide one-time financial assistance of Rs 15,000 to economically disadvantaged youth for competitive exam preparation. Additionally, the BJP plans to reimburse travel and application fees twice for these candidates.
The 2025 Delhi Legislative Assembly election for all 70 constituencies is scheduled to be held on February 5, with results to be announced on February 8.
Key Announcements in BJP's Manifesto:
1. Free Education from KG to PG: Needy students in Delhi's government institutions will receive free education from kindergarten to postgraduate levels.
2. Support for Competitive Exam Aspirants: Financial assistance of Rs 15,000 will be provided to economically disadvantaged students for preparing for civil services and other competitive exams, similar to BJP-ruled states. The government will also cover exam fees twice.
3. Dr. B.R. Ambedkar Scholarship Scheme: A new scholarship scheme for technical and vocational students will be introduced. Scheduled Caste (SC) students will receive Rs 1,000 as a scholarship. The BJP criticised the AAP government for awarding scholarships to only five SC students in five years, while the central government supported 34.5 lakh SC students with scholarships.
4. Welfare for Auto and Taxi Drivers: A Welfare Board for auto and taxi drivers will be established, offering life insurance of up to Rs 10 lakh and accident insurance of Rs 5 lakh. Children of auto and taxi drivers pursuing higher education will be granted scholarships, and the premium for auto insurance will be subsidised.
The BJP criticised the AAP government for failing to initiate welfare schemes for auto and taxi drivers in the past decade.
5. Recognition and Welfare for Domestic Helpers: Domestic helpers will be officially recognised, and a welfare scheme will be launched for them. A Domestic Helpers Welfare Board will be created, providing life insurance of Rs 10 lakh, accident insurance of Rs 5 lakh, and scholarships for their children's higher education.
6. Support for Street Vendors: Under the PM SVANidhi Scheme, interest-free loans are already being provided to 68,000 street vendors nationwide. In Delhi, 1.9 lakh street vendors currently benefit, and this number will be increased to 4 lakh.
7. Skill Development Programs for Youth: New skill development programs will be launched to empower the youth and enhance employment opportunities.
8. Criticism of AAP’s Education System: The BJP accused the AAP government of declining education standards, highlighting that over one lakh students failed Class
9 in Delhi. Allegations of corruption in school infrastructure projects were also raised.
9. Illegal Settlements of Bangladeshi and Rohingya Migrants: The BJP alleged that AAP MLAs are aiding illegal Bangladeshi and Rohingya migrants by providing forged documents, depriving Delhiites of resources. The party demanded an apology from Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal and AAP leader Atishi.
10. Respect for Sikh Community: The BJP criticised an AAP MLA for comparing Union Minister Hardeep Singh Puri to Rohingya immigrants, claiming it hurt the sentiments of the Sikh community.
The BJP concluded by asserting that while AAP makes announcements, the BJP delivers on its promises and works towards achieving its vision of a developed Delhi.
Also Read: PM Modi Likely To Visit Prayagraj To Attend Mahakumbh Mela On February 5
Kejriwal Criticises BJP Manifesto as 'Dangerous'
Former Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal criticised the BJP’s manifesto, calling it “dangerous for the country.” He alleged that the BJP intends to dismantle free education and healthcare services, including Mohalla Clinics. Kejriwal urged voters to reject the BJP, warning that their policies would harm the poor and middle class.
Kejriwal stated, “If the BJP comes to power, they will end free education, shut down healthcare facilities, and make life harder for Delhi’s poor. Their manifesto is a direct attack on the welfare of common citizens.” The BJP has not yet responded to these allegations.
Also Read: Is Elon Musk's New X Video Tab An Answer To TikTok Amid Its Uncertain Future?
Kejriwal appealed to the public not to vote for the BJP, claiming that their policies would jeopardised the future of the country and adversely affect Delhi's poor.
"The BJP's Sankalp Patra is a blueprint for closing government schools and Mohalla Clinics, which have been a lifeline for many," he added.