BJP releases manifesto for Delhi polls, goes all out to woo woman voters with freebies

BJP promises Rs 2,500 monthly aid to women, Rs 21,000 to expecting mothers and LPG cylinders at Rs 500

New Delhi: The BJP on Friday released the first part of its manifesto for the February 5 Delhi polls, keeping women at the centre of its poll pitch by promising Rs 2,500 monthly aid for them, Rs 21,000 for every pregnant woman, LPG cylinders at Rs 500 and also Rs 2,500 pension for senior citizens.

BJP president J P Nadda unveiled the ‘Sankalp Patra’ at a press conference here, and asserted the manifesto — which reflects a direct attempt by the BJP to rival AAP’s welfare-focused governance model — would serve as the foundation for a “developed Delhi”.

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He also assured that all existing public welfare schemes in Delhi will continue if the BJP is voted to power. “The BJP’s resolution for a developed Delhi prioritises the empowerment of women and the welfare of senior citizens,” he said.

Hitting out at the Arvind Kejriwal-led Aam Aadmi Party, he said all corruption charges in the public welfare schemes being run by his party’s government will be investigated. He promised that a BJP-led Delhi government will approve the implementation of the ‘Ayushman Bharat ‘ in the city in its first Cabinet meeting, and also give additional health cover of Rs 5 lakh. Nadda announced several pro-women measures including Rs 2,500 monthly aid for them under ‘Mahila Samridhi Yojana’, surpassing the AAP’s poll promise of Rs 2,100.

Additionally, the party promised LPG cylinders at Rs 500 for the poor section, with one free cylinder to be provided on Holi and Diwali. The party also promised a financial assistance of Rs 21,000 and six nutrition kits for every pregnant woman. The BJP president promised a Rs 2,500 pension for senior citizens between the age of 60-70 and Rs 3,000 for those older than 70, widows, and persons with disabilities. The national capital will vote on February 5 and the results will be announced on February 8.

The BJP, which has been out of power since 1998, has been making all-out efforts to dethrone the Arvind Kejriwal-led Aam Aadmi Party in the national capital. The AAP-led Delhi government has implemented several welfare schemes including free electricity of up to 200 units, free bus travel for women, free water and free pilgrimage for senior citizens among others.