As Delhi prepares for Assembly elections on February 5, the political landscape is set for a fierce three-way contest between the ruling Aam Aadmi Party (AAP), the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP), and the Congress party. Amid the high-stakes electoral battle, each party has shared its manifesto that promises a range of welfare schemes aimed at addressing the pressing issues faced by the city's residents. Here's a closer look at the key promises made by each party.

Congress focus on youth and women’s welfare

The Congress, which ruled Delhi for 15 consecutive years but failed to win any seats in the last two elections, is looking to make a comeback with a mix of financial assistance and skill development schemes. The party’s key highlight is the 'Yuva Udaan Yojana', which aims to provide financial aid of Rs 8,500 per month for one year to unemployed, educated youth in Delhi. The scheme is designed to support young people with skill development opportunities and connect them with local industries to help secure long-term employment.

In addition, the Congress is proposing the 'Pyaari Didi Yojana', which will provide Rs 2,500 monthly financial support to women. Furthermore, the 'Jeevan Raksha Yojana' promises insurance coverage of up to Rs 25 lakh, offering a safety net for residents in case of emergencies. These promises target key voter bases, particularly young people and women, as the party seeks to revive its fortunes in the city.

AAP promises healthcare, women’s welfare and infrastructure

The Aam Aadmi Party (AAP), which has dominated Delhi's political scene in recent years, is seeking a third consecutive term in power. The central focus of AAP's manifesto includes the 'Mahila Samman Yojana', which aims to double the monthly financial assistance to women from Rs 1,000 to Rs 2,100. The party is also proposing the 'Sanjeevani Yojana', which promises free healthcare to residents aged 60 and above.

To cater to the religious community, AAP has promised the 'Pujari Granthi Samman Yojana', offering an honorarium of Rs 18,000 per month to priests and granthis of gurdwaras. The party is also focusing on the welfare of autorickshaw drivers with promises of life and accident insurance worth Rs 15 lakh, financial assistance of Rs 1 lakh for their daughters' weddings, and a Rs 2,500 uniform allowance twice a year.

On the infrastructure front, AAP has assured a waiver of faulty water bills from the Delhi Jal Board (DJB) and promises to ensure clean drinking water for households. They also aim to enhance security by providing funding for private security guards to Residents' Welfare Associations (RWAs).

In an additional push to support education and students, AAP has also promised free bus travel for male students, in line with the current offer for female students. Moreover, AAP plans to provide a 50% concession on metro fares for students. Arvind Kejriwal has written to Prime Minister Narendra Modi urging a shared funding arrangement between the Delhi and Central governments to implement the metro fare discount.

BJP focus on women, senior citizens and healthcare

The Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) has unveiled its 'Sankalp Patra', which promises a range of welfare initiatives, particularly for women, senior citizens, and low-income families. One of the key highlights is the 'Mahila Samriddhi Yojana', which proposes a monthly financial assistance of Rs 2,500 for women in Delhi, aiming to empower them economically. The BJP is also focusing on maternal health with the Matritva Suraksha Yojana, which promises six nutritional kits and Rs 21,000 in financial assistance to pregnant women.

BJP promised to provide LPG cylinders at Rs 500 to women from such households. The party also committed to offering one free cylinder each on the occasions of Holi and Diwali.

For senior citizens, the BJP promises a range of benefits, including free OPD and diagnostic services for those aged 70 and above, Rs 10 lakh health coverage, and an increase in the Senior Citizen’s Pension from Rs 2,000 to Rs 2,500 for those aged 60-70. Additionally, the party is proposing to launch Atal Canteens in JJ clusters to provide nutritious meals for just Rs 5, aiming to improve the quality of life for low-income families.

On healthcare, the BJP is pushing for the implementation of the Ayushman Bharat Yojana in Delhi, ensuring free medical treatment up to Rs 5 lakh. The party also plans to increase health insurance coverage by an additional Rs 5 lakh for low-income households.

The BJP also aims to increase transparency in welfare schemes and eliminate corruption, particularly criticising the AAP government’s handling of Mohalla Clinics and making corruption allegations against the ruling party.

Let's compare: Key differences and similarities

1. Women’s welfare: All three parties are focusing on women’s welfare, but in different ways. The Congress promises Rs 2,500 per month under its Pyaari Didi Yojana, AAP offers an increased monthly dole of Rs 2,100 under the Mahila Samman Yojana, while the BJP also proposes Rs 2,500 under the Mahila Samriddhi Yojana and further health benefits under Matritva Suraksha Yojana.

2. Youth and employment: The Congress stands out with its Yuva Udaan Yojana, providing financial support and skill development to unemployed youth. AAP and BJP focus less on direct financial aid to youth, with AAP emphasising education and health schemes for the broader population, and the BJP focusing on empowerment through financial assistance and healthcare.

3. Healthcare: AAP’s Sanjeevani Yojana stands out with free healthcare for seniors aged 60 and above, while the BJP emphasises the Ayushman Bharat Yojana for comprehensive health coverage. The Congress has not placed an emphasis on healthcare in its manifesto.

4. Senior citizens: Both AAP and the BJP have promises targeting senior citizens, but the BJP’s proposals, such as Rs 10 lakh health coverage and pension increases, appear more comprehensive. AAP’s approach mainly focuses on healthcare through Sanjeevani Yojana.

5. Infrastructure and basic services: AAP promises to address faulty water bills and ensure clean drinking water. The BJP has also pledged to provide Atal Canteens for low-income families and better access to essential services like LPG cylinders at subsidised prices.