Punjab Election 2022 | AAP's 10 promises: 2017 vs 2022

With Punjab assembly elections just a month away, the Aam Aadmi Party revealed its 10-point model for the state.

With Covid battering the economy, Arvind Kejriwal's first promise was regarding employment. He said that the AAP will produce enough jobs in the state to make people who went abroad return. During the 2017 elections, the party had reportedly promised to help youth get jobs abroad.

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One of the other main promises was regarding agriculture. Delhi, until recently, saw a year-long protest by farm unions against three laws brought in by the Modi government. Kejriwal said that the AAP would solve all problems, within the state government's jurisdiction, plaguing Punjab's agri sector. Last time, he had reportedly promised to make Punjab farmers debt-free by December 2018.

The next issue was law and order, in sharper focus these days because of multiple alleged sacrilege cases, and related lynchings. The promise was the same as 2017 - tough and exemplary punishment in such cases, irrespective of stature or political links of the accused.

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The Aam Aadmi Party, often accused of giving freebies to win elections, is promising free, 24-hour electricity in Punjab. During the previous elections, the party had reportedly promised 12-hour free power for farming.

Another issue was predictably, illegal drugs. Kejriwal promised the elimination of drug mafia to make Punjab drugs-free. Last time, AAP had reportedly said it would make Punjab drug-free within a month, and provide rehabilitation to victims within 6 months.

Kejriwal's party is also trying to win the crucial vote of women. AAP will give Rs 1,000 every month to all adult women, if it wins. Last time, financial aid reportedly included hiking of old age, handicap, widow pension from Rs 500 to Rs 2,500.

Fighting corruption - the issue that birthed the Aam Aadmi Party and helped it win its first election, is also a promise. Kejriwal said Punjab will be made 'corruption-free' like the national capital. In 2017, AAP had reportedly said MPs, MLAs, ministers, and their direct relatives would banned from government contracts.

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Amid the pandemic, healthcare also featured prominently in the announcement. 16,000 mohalla clinics, good hospitals, and free treatment feature in this manifesto. Last time, 3 new medical colleges, and Rs 5 lakh health insurance reportedly highlighted the healthcare promises.

On education, Kejriwal said an AAP government would fix issues which are making teachers descend on streets and protest. In 2017, he had reportedly promised to set up new youth skill universities and training academies for girls if voted to power.

Kejriwal also had encouraging words for industry, promising to abolish 'raid raj' and create an honest system. During the previous polls, AAP had reportedly said it would launch a massive drive to attract business and industry.

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