Fri Jan 24 13:35:41 UTC 2025: ## Delhi Assembly Elections: BJP Unveils Three-Part Manifesto, Targeting AAP’s Support Base

**New Delhi** – With the Delhi Assembly elections scheduled for February 5th, the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) and the Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) are locked in a fierce battle for votes, releasing their manifestos in stages. The BJP’s three-part “Sankalp Patra” aims to counter AAP’s popularity, particularly among disadvantaged sections and the middle class.

The first part, focusing on women’s welfare, promised financial assistance of ₹21,000 and nutritional kits for pregnant women, along with additional funds for newborns. The second installment, targeting youth and students, pledged free education from KG to PG for needy students in government institutions, financial aid for competitive exams, and welfare measures for various worker groups. A dedicated SIT to probe alleged AAP corruption was also promised. The final part is set to be released on January 25th.

BJP strategists acknowledge the challenge of countering AAP convener Arvind Kejriwal’s narrative, particularly his focus on freebies. While AAP aims to consolidate its support among disadvantaged groups and minorities, the BJP is attempting to win over the middle class by highlighting unfulfilled promises by the AAP government and focusing on infrastructure development. They also believe that issues such as unfulfilled demands for piped water and alleged collusion with the tanker lobby could hurt AAP’s support base.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi, launching the BJP campaign, labeled the AAP government a “disaster” and highlighted the Centre’s investments in Delhi’s infrastructure, contrasting it with the AAP’s perceived failures. He assured voters that existing AAP freebies would continue under a BJP government.

The Congress, meanwhile, is attempting to carve out its own space, criticizing the AAP government’s alleged corruption using CAG reports. The BJP is leveraging the Congress’s struggles to limit AAP’s gains, and has deployed Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath for extensive campaigning in Delhi.

The election outcome remains uncertain, with both parties deploying extensive campaigning strategies. While the AAP aims to retain its hold on its traditional voter base, the BJP is striving to improve upon its previous performance and capitalize on what it views as vulnerabilities within the AAP’s governance record.

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