Fri Jan 17 14:35:02 UTC 2025: ## Delhi Parties Court Women Voters with Generous Election Promises
**New Delhi, [Date]** – With the Delhi Assembly elections fast approaching on February 5th, political parties are vying for the support of women voters, a significant demographic comprising over 46% of registered voters in the national capital. Recent election successes in states like Maharashtra and Madhya Pradesh, attributed to women-centric welfare schemes, have highlighted the importance of this voting bloc.
The Aam Aadmi Party (AAP), Congress, and Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) are all competing to offer the most attractive proposals. AAP, currently in power, initiated the trend by promising Rs 2,100 in monthly direct cash transfers to women. This was swiftly matched and even surpassed by both the Congress and BJP, who pledged Rs 2,500 monthly.
The parties have also unveiled a range of other initiatives: AAP intends to expand its free bus travel scheme for women and offer Metro fare concessions, while Congress announced its “Pyari Didi” scheme, including monthly rations. The BJP focused on pregnant women, promising a one-time payment of Rs 21,000, along with additional payments for first and second children. All parties have pledged to implement these schemes immediately after forming the government.
While the initiatives have been largely welcomed, particularly by women from low-income backgrounds, some have expressed concerns about the long-term sustainability of these programs and whether they adequately address deeper issues women face, including safety concerns. Regardless of the debate, the surge in women voter registration suggests these promises are influencing the upcoming election, the outcome of which will be known on February 8th, after the votes are counted. The AAP currently holds a commanding majority in the 70-seat assembly, having won 62 seats in 2020 and 67 in 2015.
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