BJPs Sankalp Patra: Echoes of AAP Governance or a New Vision?

Ahead of the Delhi Assembly elections on February 5, the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) released the first part of its manifesto, the Sankalp Patra, on Friday. Centering its poll pitch around welfare initiatives, the manifesto promises several schemes aimed at improving the quality of life in the national capital. However, this announcement has sparked a sharp exchange between the BJP and the Aam Aadmi Party (AAP), with AAP leader and former Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal accusing the BJP of mimicking and endorsing AAPs governance model.

Key Promises in the Sankalp Patra

The BJPs manifesto outlines a series of ambitious welfare measures, including:

1. Women-Centric Schemes:
   1. A monthly aid of 2,500 for every woman under the Mahila Samridhi Yojana.
   2. Subsidized LPG cylinders at 500, with additional free cylinders on Holi and Diwali.
   3. Six nutrition kits and a cash assistance of 21,000 for every pregnant woman under the Matru Suraksha Vandana initiative.
2. Healthcare:
   1. Implementation of the Ayushman Bharat scheme for 51 lakh residents, offering health coverage of 5 lakh per family.
   2. An additional 5 lakh health cover exclusively for Delhiites.
3. Senior Citizen Benefits:
   1. A 2,500 pension for individuals aged 60-70.
   2. An increase in the pension amount for those above 70 years, widows, and destitute women from 2,500 to 3,000.
4. Welfare and Nutrition:
   1. Establishment of Atal Canteens in slums and JJ clusters to provide nutritious meals for 5.
   2. A promise to continue and improve all existing welfare schemes while eliminating corruption.
5. Anti-Corruption and Governance:
   1. Launching an investigation into alleged corrupt practices by the AAP government.

AAPs Response: Kejriwals Guarantees

Within minutes of the manifestos release, Arvind Kejriwal criticized the BJP for adopting what he called Kejriwals guarantees. The BJPs manifesto can be summed up in one line: Arvind Kejriwals work is good, and we will continue it, he quipped. Kejriwal challenged the BJPs alleged hypocrisy, recalling Prime Minister Narendra Modis past criticisms of AAPs welfare schemes, including free electricity, water, and bus services. He urged Modi to acknowledge that such initiatives are beneficial to the public and to clarify the BJPs contradictory stance on welfare measures.

Kejriwals remarks point to a broader political debate on the freebie culture in Indian politics. Over the years, the AAP has cemented its reputation by delivering tangible benefits to Delhis residents, especially through schemes for education, healthcare, and utilities. The BJPs manifesto, according to AAP, is a tacit endorsement of these policies.

BJPs Position: A New Foundation for Delhi

Unveiling the Sankalp Patra, BJP national president JP Nadda presented the manifesto as a blueprint for a developed Delhi. Modis guarantee means there is a guarantee that the guarantee will be fulfilled, Nadda asserted, emphasizing the BJPs track record of delivering on promises. He further clarified that existing welfare schemes would not only continue but also be executed more effectively, free from corruption.

The Battle of Narratives

The BJPs manifesto highlights a shift in its approach to Delhis electorate, aligning closely with welfare policies traditionally associated with the AAP. This strategy signals the partys acknowledgment of the popularity of AAPs governance model, even as it seeks to differentiate itself by promising corruption-free implementation and additional benefits.

However, the move has drawn scrutiny for its apparent contradiction. The BJP has previously criticized welfare measures as unsustainable populism, a stance now complicated by its own adoption of similar policies. the BJP aims to broaden its appeal, yet risks being perceived as conceding to AAPs leadership in welfare government.