AAP Delhi govt vows free electricity, water for tenants if re-elected; specially mentions Purvanchal

New Delhi: Arvind Kejriwal, national convener of the Aam Aadmi Party (AAP), announced on Saturday that his party would take decisive steps to extend the benefits of free electricity and water to tenants if re-elected to power in Delhi.

During a press conference, Kejriwal addressed the concerns of tenants across Delhi. "Wherever I go, I meet people living on rent who say they benefit from good schools and hospitals but are deprived of free electricity and water schemes," he said.

Kejriwal assured that the issue would be resolved, stating, "We will ensure that after the elections, tenants, many of whom belong to the Purvanchal region, will also enjoy the benefits of free electricity and water."

Purvanchal issue

The reference to the Purvanchal region could be deemed central to the controversy surrounding the protests staged by BJP. Purvanchal, referring to people from East Uttar Pradesh and Bihar, holds considerable sway in Delhi’s political dynamics, with political parties viewing them as a pivotal voting bloc in the upcoming elections. Accounting for over a sixth of Delhi’s population, Purvanchalis can influence outcomes in approximately 20 of the 70 assembly constituencies. This community, predominantly residing in unauthorised colonies in areas like Burari, Sangam Vihar, Uttam Nagar, and Dwarka, has historically been a key constituency for political parties aiming to secure a victory.

The BJP and AAP are currently in a fierce contest to win over this community. AAP's Arvind Kejriwal highlighted his party's development initiatives in these areas, contrasting them with the BJP’s lack of progress. Kejriwal’s remarks on Purvanchalis being deprived of services like free utilities, despite contributing significantly to the capital’s growth, have ignited strong reactions, with BJP leaders accusing him of insulting the community. 

AAP's election campaign intensifies

This announcement comes as AAP intensifies its campaign for the upcoming Delhi Assembly elections, scheduled for February 5, with results to be declared on February 8. Seeking a third consecutive term, the AAP has built its campaign around welfare initiatives, emphasising free utilities and improved public services as its core strengths.

With PTI inputs