With weeks to go before the Delhi Assembly elections, Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) national convenor Arvind Kejriwal has unveiled a series of guarantees aimed at tenants in the national capital. Among the key promises are free electricity and water, benefits currently unavailable to this demographic.
“Across Delhi, we have provided free electricity and water to residents. However, it is unfortunate that tenants do not get these benefits. Today, I want to announce that after the elections, if our government is formed, we will introduce a system ensuring tenants also receive free electricity and water,” Kejriwal said during a press conference on Saturday.
Kejriwal highlighted that tenants have often lauded Delhi’s improved schools, hospitals, and free bus services, but expressed disappointment over being excluded from free utility schemes. He did not elaborate on the reasons tenants are excluded from these benefits but emphasized that the new initiative would address their concerns.
This announcement comes on the heels of the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) releasing the first part of its election manifesto on Friday. BJP president JP Nadda outlined key promises in the “Sankalp Patra,” including a Rs 21,000 financial aid for pregnant women, implementation of the Ayushman Bharat scheme, and an increase in senior citizen pensions.
“All the schemes which are running in Delhi will continue under BJP in Delhi. We will eliminate all scopes of corruption on which the AAPda party thrives. We made 500 promises in 2014, we delivered 499. In 2019, we made 235, we completed 225,” Nadda stated.
The AAP, seeking a third consecutive term in office, has centered its campaign around its welfare initiatives, presenting free utilities and improved public services as its core strengths. Kejriwal’s new pledge is seen as a strategic move to attract tenants, many of whom belong to the Purvanchali community—people from East Uttar Pradesh and Bihar who form a significant portion of Delhi’s population.
“I want to congratulate all tenants. This will be a huge step. Most tenants in Delhi are from Purvanchal, who are very poor. They are greatly affected when they don’t receive government subsidies,” Kejriwal said. “This scheme will be greatly beneficial for our Purvanchali brothers.”
The Purvanchali community has become a critical voter base, with both AAP and BJP vying for their support. Kejriwal’s outreach follows allegations from the BJP that AAP has disrespected the community. The former Delhi CM had previously accused the BJP of orchestrating the deletion of Purvanchali and Dalit names from electoral rolls. The BJP responded with protests outside Kejriwal’s residence, alleging that his comments insulted the community.
Earlier this week, Kejriwal and Chief Minister Atishi met with Election Commissioners, raising concerns about alleged “wrongdoing” in voter lists. They accused the BJP of facilitating the influx of individuals from Uttar Pradesh and Bihar to create “fake votes.” These claims have further heightened tensions between the two parties.
As the race for Delhi’s assembly heats up, the battle for the Purvanchali vote—many of whom reside in unauthorized colonies—could play a decisive role in determining the election’s outcome.
