Manifesto 2025: AAP’s Hollow Promises Exposed as Freebies Mask Delhi’s Stagnation

Paromita Das

GG News Bureau
New Delhi, 27^th Jan.

With the release of the Aam Aadmi Party’s (AAP) much-anticipated manifesto, “Kejriwal ki Guarantee,” Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal has once again promised a laundry list of freebies and lofty guarantees ahead of the February 5 Assembly elections. The manifesto outlines 15 guarantees, including free travel for students, financial aid for priests, improved water supply, scholarships for SC/ST students, and the promise to clean the Yamuna River. However, critics argue that the manifesto is yet another attempt to exploit Delhi voters with extravagant promises that often fail to materialize on the ground.

A Manifesto Heavy on Populism

The manifesto opens with promises of “robust” job creation and moves on to assurances such as:

• Free travel for students: Male students will receive free bus rides and a 50% discount on metro fares.
• Financial aid to religious leaders: Rs 18,000 monthly support for priests and Gurudwara Granthis.
• Financial aid for women and senior citizens: Rs 2,100 per month for women under the Mahila Samman Yojana, and free healthcare for senior citizens under the Sanjeevani Yojana.
• Free utilities for tenants: Tenants in Delhi will now be eligible for free electricity and water.

Arvind Kejriwal emphasized that these benefits, amounting to Rs 25,000 per household monthly, would continue under AAP’s governance, cautioning that the BJP might revoke these schemes if it comes to power.

Promises That Echo the Past

A closer look at the 2025 manifesto reveals striking similarities with AAP’s previous commitments. The party has pledged to clean the Yamuna River and improve Delhi’s sewage system — promises that were also made in 2015 and 2020 but remain largely unfulfilled. Similarly, the much-touted world-class roads and improved public infrastructure continue to be a pipedream for Delhi residents.

The Reality on the Ground

While Kejriwal’s guarantees are marketed as transformative, critics argue that they mask a deeper mismanagement of public resources. For instance:

• Freebies over development: AAP’s governance has relied heavily on subsidizing utilities, often at the cost of addressing Delhi’s pressing issues, such as pollution, unemployment, and infrastructure development.
• Neglect of long-term projects: Despite repeated pledges to clean the Yamuna and reduce air pollution, Delhi continues to be one of the most polluted capitals in the world.
• Misuse of revenue: Critics have pointed to reports of lavish spending, including the alleged construction of Kejriwal’s ‘Sheesh Mahal,’ a luxurious CM residence that contradicts his image as a champion of the common man.

AAP’s Over-Reliance on Free Welfare Schemes

Kejriwal’s manifesto champions welfare schemes but raises concerns about fiscal prudence. With the party allocating massive resources to freebies, there’s little room left for capital investments in critical sectors like healthcare, education, and infrastructure.

The BJP has been quick to criticize AAP’s governance model, with leaders questioning the party’s failure to deliver on key promises like cleaning the Yamuna or addressing Delhi’s water and electricity supply challenges. BJP candidate Harish Khurana remarked, “They should tell the truth about the manifestos they released in the last 10 years. Delhi has become the most polluted capital. People are not getting water.”

The Voter’s Dilemma

As Delhiites prepare to cast their votes, they face a stark choice: a continuation of AAP’s populist policies or a shift to the BJP, which has promised to prioritize development over handouts. However, with Kejriwal framing the election as a battle between “AAP’s guarantees” and BJP’s alleged plans to revoke welfare schemes, the stakes are higher than ever.

 Is Delhi Paying the Price for Freebies?

While AAP’s welfare schemes have undeniably benefited sections of the population, their long-term sustainability is questionable. By focusing heavily on short-term gains, the party risks neglecting the structural reforms necessary for Delhi’s growth. The emphasis on freebies over infrastructure development and environmental concerns also raises questions about Kejriwal’s vision for the future.

Moreover, the reliance on taxpayer-funded welfare schemes to sustain electoral success has set a dangerous precedent. As critics point out, this model may lead to a vicious cycle of increasing subsidies and declining investments in long-term development projects.

Conclusion: A High-Stakes Election

AAP’s 2025 manifesto reaffirms its strategy of leveraging populist promises to secure voter loyalty. However, the elections will be a litmus test for Kejriwal’s governance model, which has come under fire for prioritizing optics over outcomes. With the BJP pushing for accountability and development, the battle for Delhi is shaping up to be a referendum on AAP’s 10-year rule.

For Delhi’s voters, the choice is clear: demand accountability for past promises or buy into yet another round of guarantees. The results on February 8 will reveal which narrative resonates more with the people of the national capital.