Dalit Disillusionment Alters Delhi’s Political Dynamics Ahead of Assembly Elections

Paromita Das

GG News Bureau
New Delhi, 5^th Feb. As Delhi holds its assembly elections today, a notable shift is occurring within the Dalit electorate—a group that has historically been a stronghold for the Aam Aadmi Party (AAP). Recent developments indicate growing dissatisfaction among Dalit voters, stemming from unmet promises and a perception that immediate relief measures have overshadowed the need for sustainable, structural reforms. This evolving sentiment is poised to influence the electoral prospects of major political parties in the capital.

Dissatisfaction Among Dalit Communities

The discontent among Dalit voters is rooted in several unfulfilled commitments and a perceived neglect of critical community issues. Historically, prominent Dalit groups such as the Ravidassia and Jatav communities have supported AAP. However, recent resignations by Dalit leaders from the party signal a broader erosion of trust. Sanitation workers, a significant segment of the Dalit workforce, have expressed disappointment over the government’s failure to provide stable employment and improved working conditions. The promise of ₹1 crore compensation for families of sanitation workers who lost their lives on duty remains largely unfulfilled, deepening the sense of discontent. Additionally, the outsourcing of jobs previously reserved for Dalits has exacerbated economic insecurities within the community.

Neglect of Dalit-Dominated Areas

In Dalit-majority areas, frustrations with governance are palpable. Residents of Nai Basti, a Dalit-dominated colony in South Delhi’s Deoli, have voiced their disappointment with the local AAP MLA, citing unfulfilled promises and a lack of developmental progress. Similarly, in Shahabad-Mohammedpur in West Delhi’s Bijwasan, the Scheduled Caste community faces acute water shortages during the summer months. The absence of a railway overbridge in the area has led to persistent traffic congestion and safety concerns, highlighting the broader neglect of infrastructure in Dalit-majority regions.

Unmet Promises in Education and Welfare

Educational initiatives aimed at Dalit upliftment have also suffered setbacks. In Punjab, for instance, the AAP government delayed the implementation of the Centre’s Post-Matric Scholarship Scheme for Scheduled Castes, creating barriers to educational access for SC students. Such delays have caused unnecessary hardships for beneficiaries, undermining the intended impact of these programs.

BJP’s Strategic Outreach

In contrast, the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) has actively sought to engage with Dalit voters through targeted welfare measures and grassroots outreach programs. Recognizing the growing dissatisfaction with AAP, the BJP has focused on initiatives designed to restore trust and provide tangible benefits to the community. A notable initiative includes the “B.R. Ambedkar Stipend Scheme,” which offers a monthly stipend of ₹1,000 to SC students enrolled in Industrial Training Institutes (ITIs), skill centres, and polytechnic colleges. Additionally, the BJP has pledged free education from kindergarten to post-graduation for underprivileged students in government institutions. Other welfare measures include a dedicated board for taxi and auto drivers, affordable meal schemes for slum dwellers, and life insurance plans. Furthermore, the regularization of 4,400 sanitation workers under Home Minister Amit Shah’s leadership reflects the party’s responsiveness to Dalit concerns. With initiatives such as Matru Suraksha Vandana, Atal Canteens, and the PM National Dialysis Programme, the BJP aims to enhance healthcare, nutrition, and financial relief for marginalized communities.

Shifting Sentiments Confirmed by Surveys

A recent survey conducted by the National Confederation of Dalit and Adivasi Organisations (NACDAOR) and The Convergent Media underscores AAP’s declining appeal among Dalit voters. According to the findings, 44% of Dalit respondents intend to vote for AAP, marking a decline from 53% in the 2020 elections. The survey highlights growing concerns over employment, sanitation, and education, reinforcing the broader sentiment of discontent within the community.

The Freebies vs. Programmatic Politics Debate

AAP’s governance model has heavily relied on welfare measures such as free bus rides for women, subsidized electricity, and free water supply. While these initiatives provide short-term relief, critics argue that they fail to address deeper structural issues. For instance, while free bus rides reduce transportation costs for daily commuters, they do not resolve the underlying challenges of overcrowding or inadequate maintenance of public transport systems. Many voters now question whether these policies serve as genuine developmental strategies or merely as short-term vote-catching tools. A disillusioned former supporter articulated this frustration: “You can’t keep enticing people by giving free stuff. We need jobs, not just free electricity.” The failure to effectively balance populist measures with long-term developmental policies has exacerbated dissatisfaction, particularly in Dalit-majority areas where infrastructure and economic opportunities remain stagnant.

Conclusion

As Delhi approaches the upcoming elections, Dalit voters stand at a crucial crossroads. Their growing discontent with AAP’s governance model presents an opportunity for opposition parties to offer alternative solutions that address long-standing grievances. The BJP’s outreach efforts and welfare initiatives may resonate with sections of the Dalit electorate, potentially altering electoral dynamics in key constituencies. The election will not only shape the political trajectory of Delhi but also serve as a broader indicator of how political parties engage with marginalized communities. For Dalit voters, the choice ahead involves evaluating past governance records against promises for the future, determining which party is best positioned to address their needs and aspirations.