Delhi elections 2025: BJP releases second manifesto, promises free education, women-centric initiatives
BJP Sankalp Patra: The Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) on Tuesday unveiled its second manifesto for the upcoming Delhi Assembly elections 2025, focusing on education and youth welfare. The manifesto includes a pledge to provide free education "from KG to PG" for underprivileged students in government-run educational institutions if the party is voted to power. This announcement follows the release of the first part of its manifesto, which emphasised women-centric policies and welfare measures.
Key promises in BJP's second manifesto
BJP MP Anurag Thakur presented the second phase of the party’s ‘Sankalp Patra’ for Delhi, outlining several initiatives targeting youth empowerment. Key proposals include:
One-Time Financial Assistance: Rs 15,000 will be provided to students for preparing for competitive exams.
Reimbursement of Fees: Travel and application fees for exams will be reimbursed up to two times for aspirants.
These measures aim to enhance educational accessibility and encourage competitive exam participation among Delhi's youth.
Highlights of BJP's first manifesto
Last week, BJP president JP Nadda introduced the first part of the manifesto, focusing on welfare schemes aimed at women, senior citizens, and economically weaker sections. The manifesto outlined a vision to rival the Aam Aadmi Party's (AAP) welfare-driven governance model and promised significant reforms to strengthen public welfare programs.
Key promises in the first manifesto include:
Pro-Women Initiatives:
Rs 2,500 monthly aid under the ‘Mahila Samridhi Yojana.’
Financial assistance of Rs 21,000 and six nutrition kits for every pregnant woman under the ‘Chief Minister Matritva Suraksha Yojana.’
Subsidised LPG cylinders at Rs 500, with one free cylinder during Holi and Diwali.
Support for Senior Citizens:
Pension increases: Rs 2,500 for individuals aged 60-70 (from Rs 2,000).
Rs 3,000 for senior citizens, widows, divyangs, and destitute individuals aged 70 and above (from Rs 2,500).
Health Coverage:
Immediate approval for the implementation of the Ayushman Bharat scheme, offering health insurance coverage of Rs 5 lakh.
Nadda assured voters that existing public welfare schemes in Delhi would not only continue under a BJP-led government but would also be made more effective by eliminating corruption.
A Triangular Contest with AAP and Congress
The upcoming Delhi Assembly elections, scheduled for February 5, will see a triangular battle between the BJP, Congress, and the incumbent Aam Aadmi Party. The AAP, which has yet to officially release its manifesto, has already teased new welfare measures to add to its existing offerings, such as free electricity, revamped government schools, and mohalla clinics.
The AAP's governance model, heavily focused on subsidies and community welfare programs, poses a direct challenge to the BJP's vision of a "developed Delhi." However, BJP leaders have expressed confidence in their ability to sway voters with their comprehensive manifestos, emphasizing both continuity and reform.
Election Dchedule
Polling for all 70 Assembly constituencies in Delhi is set for February 5, with vote counting on February 8. The BJP hopes to disrupt AAP’s bid for a third consecutive term in power, while the Congress aims to regain relevance in the national capital.
- With inputs from agencies
