In an effort to challenge the Aam Aadmi Party’s pre-election promises in Delhi, the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) has rolled out an ambitious set of initiatives aimed at benefiting women and families ahead of the February 5 Delhi Assembly elections.
During a press conference, Nadda revealed that the party had gathered about 1.8 lakh feedback responses, held 12,000 meetings, and collected suggestions via 41 LED vans that traveled across Delhi.
Reassuring voters, Nadda pledged that all existing public welfare schemes in Delhi would continue, while accusing the ruling AAP government of widespread corruption.
The BJP's manifesto, 'Sankalp Patra,' proposes financial support for pregnant women, including Rs 21,000 and six nutritional kits. In addition, the party promises Rs 5,000 for the first child and Rs 6,000 for the second child.
Nadda introduced the Mahila Smriddhi Yojana, which will offer women a monthly allowance of Rs 2,500.
He also highlighted that the AAP had promised to give Rs 1,000 to women in 2021, a promise that has not been fulfilled in either Delhi or Punjab.
In an attempt to further criticize AAP's broken promises, Nadda said, "Let me shed some light on AAPda's track record. They promised to give Rs 1,000 per month in 2021. They neither gave it here in Delhi nor in Punjab. In 2024, they promised to give Rs 1,000 per month. As expected, they did not provide it here in Delhi or Punjab. They failed to give subsidy on LPG."
The manifesto also includes a Rs 500 subsidy on LPG cylinders, with the BJP pledging to provide two free cylinders on Diwali and Holi.
Nadda also assured that, should the BJP win, it would implement the Ayushman Bharat health scheme in Delhi during its first cabinet meeting. This follows the AAP government's opposition to the central scheme, claiming that Delhi already has "superior" health services.
The manifesto also includes a health coverage plan for senior citizens, with an additional Rs 5 lakh in health benefits, raising the total coverage to Rs 10 lakh.
The BJP also promises a new pension scheme for senior citizens, offering Rs 2,000 to Rs 2,500 per month for those aged 60-70, and Rs 3,000 for those over 70. Additionally, the Divyang and widows will receive a pension of Rs 3,000.
In slum areas, the BJP intends to set up Atal Canteens where residents can access a meal for just Rs 5.
Nadda, who also serves as Union health minister, accused AAP's Mohalla Clinics of being "dens of corruption," citing a reported Rs 300 crore scam. He promised that, should BJP come to power, a full investigation would be conducted, and those involved would be jailed.
The Delhi Assembly elections will take place in a single phase on February 5, with results being announced on February 8. The contest is expected to be a three-way battle between the ruling AAP, the BJP, and Congress.
Although Congress ruled Delhi for 15 years, it has suffered significant losses in recent elections, failing to secure any seats in 2020, when AAP won 62 out of 70 seats, leaving the BJP with just eight seats.