AAP’s Broken Promises: A Decade of Illusions and Unmet Aspirations

Paromita Das

GG News Bureau
New Delhi, 29^th Dec. A Decade of Unfulfilled Promises
When the Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) emerged in 2013, it carried the promise of revolutionizing governance and providing an alternative to traditional politics. Under Arvind Kejriwal’s leadership, AAP positioned itself as the torchbearer of transparency, accountability, and public welfare. However, ten years down the line, the sheen has worn off, and a stark contrast between promises and performance has emerged. From education and healthcare to women’s safety and infrastructure, many of AAP’s grand declarations remain on paper, with little visible impact on the ground.

This analysis delves into the core promises made by AAP over the years and critically evaluates their achievements—or lack thereof—highlighting the disillusionment of the citizens who once pinned their hopes on this party.

The Mirage of Education Reforms: Schools, Colleges, and Hollow Promises
AAP’s promise to construct 500 new schools and 20 colleges in Delhi has been one of its most glaring failures. Despite the rhetoric of education being the party’s top priority, the actual groundwork tells a different story. Official records reveal that while existing schools were renovated or upgraded, the construction of new schools and colleges was largely ignored.

Even in the area of government school management, where AAP has claimed significant success, questions remain about the actual impact on students’ academic performance. While a handful of “model schools” are showcased as achievements, these represent a fraction of the overall education system in Delhi. The much-hyped narrative of transformation appears to be more optics than substance.

Healthcare Revolution or a Token Gesture? The Case of Mohalla Clinics
The promise of 500 Mohalla Clinics to provide accessible healthcare to the poor has been another cornerstone of AAP’s manifesto. However, the actual delivery has been far from satisfactory. While some clinics were indeed constructed, many remain under-equipped and understaffed, struggling to cater to the growing healthcare demands of Delhi’s population.

Furthermore, the pledge to build 20 new hospitals remains unfulfilled, leaving the public healthcare infrastructure stretched to its limits. AAP’s healthcare promises, though ambitious on paper, have failed to address the core issues of capacity, quality, and accessibility.

Public Transport: Where Are the Promised Buses?
Delhi’s public transport system, a critical lifeline for millions, was promised a major overhaul under AAP’s governance. The pledge to add 10,000 new buses to the fleet remains largely unfulfilled, with the city continuing to grapple with overcrowded and insufficient public transport options.

The inadequacy of public transport not only impacts the daily lives of commuters but also exacerbates Delhi’s pollution crisis, another area where AAP’s promises have fallen flat.

The Myth of Women’s Safety and Security
Arvind Kejriwal’s promise to ensure women’s safety in Delhi was a key aspect of his electoral pitch. AAP pledged to install 14 lakh CCTV cameras across the city, but reports suggest that the implementation has been sporadic at best.

Moreover, the introduction of measures like women-only buses and free rides for women on public transport have failed to address the underlying issues of safety and security. The increasing crime rates against women in Delhi reveal the gap between policy announcements and their effectiveness on the ground.

Environmental Promises: Pollution, Yamuna, and the Mountains of Garbage
Delhi’s pollution problem, one of the most pressing issues for the city, remains largely unaddressed despite AAP’s repeated assurances of making Delhi a pollution-free city. The promise to clean the Yamuna River has been an abject failure, with the river continuing to flow as one of the most polluted water bodies in the country.

Similarly, the commitment to remove the city’s infamous garbage mountains has seen no tangible progress. These towering heaps of waste remain a stark reminder of AAP’s inability to tackle environmental challenges effectively.

Economic and Employment Promises: A Case of Empty Words
AAP’s promise to generate 8 lakh jobs and provide unemployment allowances to Delhi’s youth has been another glaring failure. While the party frequently touts its initiatives to promote start-ups and skill development, the absence of concrete job creation data undermines these claims.

Promises of free Wi-Fi across the city and the simplification of processes like obtaining OBC certificates remain unfulfilled, further eroding public trust in AAP’s ability to deliver on its commitments.

Corruption-Free Delhi: A Tarnished Image and Legal Challenges for AAP

When the Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) was formed, its foundation rested on the promise of eradicating corruption and ushering in a new era of transparent governance. Arvind Kejriwal, its leader, became a symbol of anti-corruption activism, famously exposing high-profile scams and vowing to root out systemic corruption. However, a decade into its governance, the same party that championed accountability has found itself mired in controversies and legal cases that directly contradict its core ethos.

The narrative of a corruption-free Delhi, which AAP promised, has been overshadowed by several high-profile corruption scandals involving key leaders of the party. These cases not only tarnish the image of AAP but also raise doubts about its ability to deliver on its foundational promises.

Delhi Liquor Policy Scam: A Legal and Political Blow
One of the most significant legal cases against AAP is the alleged Delhi liquor policy scam, which has brought its leadership under intense scrutiny. The Delhi government introduced a new excise policy in 2021, claiming it would increase revenue and improve transparency in the liquor trade. However, the policy was abruptly withdrawn in 2022 after allegations surfaced about irregularities and favoritism.

The Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) and the Enforcement Directorate (ED) launched investigations into the matter, alleging that the policy was manipulated to favor private liquor vendors in exchange for kickbacks. Key AAP leaders, including Deputy Chief Minister Manish Sisodia, were implicated in the case.

The arrest of Sisodia in February 2023 dealt a significant blow to AAP’s credibility. The charges against him included alleged corruption and money laundering, with investigators claiming that financial benefits from the policy were funneled to party associates. While AAP has vehemently denied the allegations, calling them politically motivated, the case continues to cast a shadow over its anti-corruption claims.

The Classroom Scam: Questions About Public Funds
Another scandal that has tainted AAP’s image is the alleged classroom construction scam. The Delhi government had allocated substantial funds for building additional classrooms in government schools to address the city’s educational infrastructure needs. However, the Central Vigilance Commission (CVC) reported that the cost of construction was inflated, leading to financial irregularities amounting to crores of rupees.

The report claimed that contracts were awarded at significantly higher rates than market standards, suggesting collusion between government officials and private contractors. Critics have argued that such practices undermine AAP’s repeated claims of prioritizing education while maintaining financial integrity.

Despite AAP’s defense that the project improved school infrastructure, the controversy has raised questions about the party’s transparency in handling public funds.

Delhi Jal Board Scam: Mismanagement and Financial Irregularities
The Delhi Jal Board (DJB), which manages the city’s water supply, has also become a focal point of corruption allegations. Reports of financial mismanagement and irregularities in awarding contracts have emerged, with the opposition accusing AAP of using the board for political and financial gain.

In 2021, allegations surfaced that funds allocated to the DJB were misused, leading to inefficiencies in the board’s operations and delays in crucial projects. This scandal has further eroded public trust in AAP’s promise of transparent governance and efficient public service delivery.

The Fall of a Promised Revolution
AAP’s journey from a party of hope to a party of unfulfilled promises serves as a cautionary tale for Bharatiya democracy. While the initial enthusiasm surrounding the party was rooted in its promise of change, its inability to deliver on key issues has left citizens disillusioned.

The party’s over-reliance on populist measures like free electricity and water, while neglecting fundamental issues like employment, public transport, and healthcare, reflects a lack of vision and prioritization. Moreover, its failure to address pressing issues like pollution and women’s safety underscores a disconnect between electoral promises and governance.

Conclusion: A Need for Accountability and Honest Leadership
As AAP completes a decade in governance, it is time for the party to introspect and take accountability for its shortcomings. The citizens of Delhi, who placed their trust in AAP’s vision of a better future, deserve more than unfulfilled promises and hollow guarantees.

Delhi’s challenges—from pollution and women’s safety to education and healthcare—require honest leadership and a commitment to genuine reform. If AAP is to regain public trust, it must move beyond optics and slogans and focus on delivering tangible results that improve the lives of its citizens.

The legacy of a government is not defined by its promises but by its ability to turn those promises into reality. For AAP, the time to act is now, before it risks losing the faith of the very people who once saw it as a beacon of hope.