In the lead-up to the Delhi Assembly elections on Feb 5, the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) has unveiled the third part of its election manifesto.
The promises made by Union Home Minister Amit Shah during the manifesto launch are aimed at addressing key issues of land ownership, worker welfare, employment, and infrastructure development. These proposals are designed to appeal to various sections of the population in the national capital.
One of the most significant promises is the granting of ownership rights to residents of refugee colonies. These colonies, which have been in existence since the time of independence, have long faced restrictions on buying and selling land.
Shah announced that in the BJP’s first Cabinet meeting, refugees living in colonies such as Rajendra Nagar, Lajpat Nagar, and Kingsway Camp, who currently hold land on lease, will be granted full ownership rights.
This move will allow residents the freedom to buy, sell, and construct on their land, marking a major step toward regularising these areas.
In addition to the land ownership promise, the BJP has pledged to reopen 13,000 sealed shops across the city. Shah explained that, after consulting with legal experts, the party had found a way to legally reopen these shops, which had been sealed due to various violations.
A judicial authority will be set up to oversee the process, and the shops are expected to reopen within six months, enabling thousands of business owners to resume operations.
Worker welfare is another focus of the BJP’s manifesto. Shah announced the creation of a Workers Welfare Board in Delhi, aimed at improving the lives of workers in the city.
This board will provide life insurance coverage of up to ₹10 lakh and accident insurance of up to ₹5 lakh for workers. Furthermore, the BJP has promised financial assistance of ₹10,000 to textile workers and loans of up to ₹3 lakh for registered workers to improve their skills and businesses.
Addressing youth unemployment, Shah stated that the BJP government would provide 50,000 government jobs to the youth of Delhi. Additionally, the party plans to create 20 lakh self-employment opportunities by making investments of ₹20,000 cr.
Part of this investment will go towards developing an integrated public transport network, including the conversion of 13,000 buses into electric buses, which will make Delhi a fully electric bus city.
Tourism development is also on the agenda, with the BJP promising to collaborate with neighbouring states such as Uttar Pradesh and Haryana to create a Mahabharata corridor.
This initiative is expected to boost tourism and create economic opportunities in the region. Shah also spoke about the development of the Yamuna Riverfront, drawing parallels with the Sabarmati Riverfront in Gujarat.
He invited Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal to join him in a visit to the river after three years of BJP governance.
In terms of welfare schemes, the BJP’s manifesto promises financial assistance for pregnant women, with an amount of ₹12,000 and six nutrition kits. It also guarantees subsidised LPG cylinders at ₹500, with one free cylinder being given to every woman on Holi and Diwali.
Under the Ayushman Bharat scheme, every poor person in Delhi will receive free treatment up to ₹5 lakh, with any expenses beyond that covered by the Delhi government, ensuring that no one is denied treatment due to lack of funds.
The BJP also promises an increase in pensions for senior citizens, from ₹2,000 to ₹2,500 per month, as well as an increase in the pensions for widows and destitute women from ₹2,500 to ₹3,000 per month.
The party intends to establish Atal Canteens in JJ Clusters, where nutritious meals will be available for just ₹5.
In terms of ensuring fairness and transparency, the BJP has pledged to establish a corruption-free government. Auto and taxi drivers will be provided with life insurance coverage of ₹10 lakh and accident insurance of ₹5 lakh.
The manifesto also includes provisions for a welfare board for domestic workers and a proposal for six months of paid maternity leave for mothers. The PM Swanidhi scheme, which supports street vendors, will be doubled, offering greater financial assistance to those running small businesses in the city.
The BJP is also targeting the Scheduled Caste and Scheduled Tribe communities by providing a monthly stipend of ₹1,000 under the Ambedkar Stipend Scheme. This initiative aims to provide financial support to students from these communities as they pursue education and employment opportunities.
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