The 2025 Delhi Assembly elections, held on February 5, have become a focal point in India’s political landscape, with major parties—the Aam Aadmi Party (AAP), Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP), and Indian National Congress (INC)—vying for control of the national capital. As the city awaits the official results, it’s essential to analyze the track records of these parties in fulfilling their promises to the electorate.
Aam Aadmi Party (AAP): A Decade of Governance
The AAP, under the leadership of Arvind Kejriwal, has governed Delhi since 2015. The party’s rise was rooted in an anti-corruption movement, and it positioned itself as a champion of clean governance and public welfare.
Promises and Deliveries:
- Education Reform: AAP pledged to revamp Delhi’s public education system. Over the past decade, the government has renovated schools, improved infrastructure, and introduced ‘Happiness Curriculums’. These initiatives have been well-received, with many acknowledging the tangible improvements in government schools.
- Healthcare Initiatives: The introduction of ‘Mohalla Clinics’ was a flagship promise aimed at providing accessible primary healthcare. As of 2024, numerous such clinics have been established across the city, offering free medical services to residents.
- Utility Subsidies: AAP promised free electricity up to 200 units and free water up to 20,000 liters per household. These subsidies have been implemented, benefiting a significant portion of the population.
Challenges and Shortcomings:
Despite these achievements, AAP’s tenure has not been without controversies. In 2024, allegations of corruption emerged against key party leaders, including Kejriwal, leading to his resignation in September 2024. These events have cast a shadow over the party’s anti-corruption stance.
Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP): A Bid to Reclaim Delhi
The BJP, despite its dominance at the national level, has not governed Delhi since 1998. In the 2025 elections, the party has made significant promises to woo the electorate.
Promises:
- Women’s Welfare: The ‘Mahila Samriddhi Yojana’ promises ₹2,500 per month to women from low-income families.
- Healthcare: Implementation of the Ayushman Bharat Scheme, offering ₹10 lakh health coverage for senior citizens and poor families.
- Infrastructure Development: Commitment to cleaning the Yamuna River and developing the Yamuna River Front, along with converting 13,000 buses to electric vehicles.
Track Record:
While the BJP has a strong presence in municipal governance and has implemented various national policies, its direct impact on Delhi’s state-level governance has been limited due to its prolonged absence from power in the assembly. The party’s promises in the 2025 elections are ambitious, but their fulfillment remains to be seen.
Indian National Congress (INC): Striving for a Comeback
The Congress party, which governed Delhi from 1998 to 2013 under Sheila Dikshit, is aiming to regain its foothold in the capital.
Promises:
- Youth Empowerment: The ‘Yuva Udaan Yojana’ offers ₹8,500 per month to unemployed educated youth for one year, along with apprenticeships in local industries.
- Women’s Welfare: The ‘Pyaari Didi Yojana’ provides ₹2,500 monthly to women from low-income families.
- Healthcare: The ‘Jeevan Raksha Yojana’ promises ₹25 lakh health insurance coverage to all residents.
Track Record:
During its tenure, the Congress government focused on infrastructure development, notably expanding the Delhi Metro and improving road networks. However, issues like the 2012 Nirbhaya incident and allegations of corruption eroded public trust, leading to its decline in the subsequent elections.
Assessing the Impact on the 2025 Elections
As Delhiites cast their votes, the fulfillment of past promises plays a crucial role in shaping voter perceptions.
- AAP: The party’s successful implementation of key welfare schemes has garnered support, but recent corruption allegations may have dented its image.
- BJP: The party’s promises are extensive, but its lack of recent governance experience in Delhi raises questions about its ability to deliver.
- Congress: While its new schemes are appealing, the party’s past governance issues may hinder its resurgence.
Predictions and Exit Polls
Exit polls have projected a potential victory for the BJP in the 2025 Delhi Assembly elections, indicating a significant shift in voter sentiment. However, exit polls in India have a mixed track record, and the actual results may vary.
Looking Ahead: The Future of Delhi’s Governance
The outcome of the 2025 elections will determine the trajectory of Delhi’s development. The incoming administration will need to address pressing issues such as pollution, infrastructure development, and economic growth. The effectiveness of welfare schemes and the ability to maintain transparency and integrity in governance will be crucial in shaping Delhi’s future.
In conclusion, the 2025 Delhi Assembly elections are a pivotal moment for the city’s political landscape. The electorate’s decision will reflect their assessment of past performances and their aspirations for the future. As the results unfold, Delhiites hope for a government that will effectively address their needs and lead the city towards sustained development.