The Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) has unveiled its second manifesto for the upcoming Delhi Assembly elections, scheduled for February 2025. This manifesto, known as the 'Sankalp Patra,' contains key promises aimed at shaping the future of the capital city, with a focus on education, financial support for youth, and public welfare initiatives. The BJP’s commitment to providing free education from kindergarten to post-graduation for economically disadvantaged students in government institutions is one of the standout promises, signaling the party’s prioritization of youth empowerment and equal opportunities.

Free Education for All: A Commitment to Empowering Future Generations

The BJP’s second manifesto outlines its plan to ensure that every student in Delhi has access to quality education without worrying about financial constraints. Under this proposal, the party promises to offer free education across all levels, from kindergarten (KG) to post-graduation (PG), for students enrolled in government-run educational institutions. This initiative aims to uplift students from economically weaker sections, making education more accessible and affordable to those who otherwise struggle to bear the costs associated with schooling and higher education.

By focusing on education, the BJP seeks to empower future generations with the tools they need to build successful careers and contribute to the city’s overall development. The promise of free education till post-graduation reflects the party’s vision for a more inclusive society, where every student has the opportunity to excel without being burdened by tuition fees and other educational costs.

Financial Support for Competitive Exams: A Boost to Delhi's Youth

In addition to its education initiative, the BJP has also announced measures to assist the youth in preparing for competitive examinations. The manifesto promises to provide one-time financial assistance of ₹15,000 to help students with the costs associated with preparation for various competitive exams. This move aims to alleviate the financial strain on young aspirants, allowing them to focus on their studies and improve their chances of success in crucial exams for government jobs and other career opportunities.

Along with the ₹15,000 assistance, the BJP has pledged to reimburse the travel expenses for two rounds of travel and application fees for competitive exams. The party believes this financial support will ease the burden on young individuals striving to build a successful career while also encouraging more participation in competitive exams, ultimately benefiting the city's job market and fostering a well-educated, skilled workforce.

BJP’s Approach to Women Welfare: Continued Commitment in the Manifesto

The BJP’s first manifesto for the Delhi elections, released a week earlier, placed a strong emphasis on women’s welfare. This document promised financial support to women across the city, including ₹2,500 per month in aid, ₹21,000 for every pregnant woman, and subsidized LPG cylinders priced at ₹500 each. Additionally, the manifesto introduced a ₹2,500 pension for senior citizens, aimed at supporting the elderly population.

The inclusion of these measures demonstrates the BJP’s continued commitment to women’s empowerment and welfare, with a focus on financial independence, health, and social security for women in Delhi. These initiatives are expected to provide significant relief to households, particularly in economically challenged segments, where women often bear the responsibility of managing finances and ensuring the well-being of the family.

Healthcare and Welfare: Building on Existing Schemes

The BJP’s Sankalp Patra also promises to build on existing public welfare schemes, ensuring they are more effective and free from corruption. Party President JP Nadda emphasized that, if voted to power, the BJP government would not only continue these welfare schemes but also work towards eliminating inefficiencies in their implementation.

Among the key healthcare initiatives, the BJP has promised to implement the Ayushman Bharat scheme in Delhi during the first Cabinet meeting. This initiative, already successful in several states, aims to provide affordable and accessible healthcare to families below the poverty line. Additionally, the manifesto includes the promise of an extra ₹5 lakh health cover, offering enhanced protection to Delhi residents and further strengthening the city’s healthcare infrastructure.

Aiming for a Developed Delhi: BJP's Vision for the Capital

The BJP’s manifesto reflects its vision for a developed and prosperous Delhi. By focusing on the education sector, providing financial assistance to youth, supporting women, and building on public welfare initiatives, the party is seeking to present a strong alternative to the Aam Aadmi Party’s (AAP) welfare-driven model of governance. The BJP’s promise to address corruption and improve the efficiency of welfare schemes is seen as a crucial component of its plan to create a “developed Delhi,” where citizens are empowered and public services are streamlined for the benefit of all.

A Competitive Political Race Ahead

With the release of its second manifesto, the BJP is clearly positioning itself as a major contender in the Delhi Assembly elections, promising tangible benefits for the city’s residents. While the BJP's focus on education, healthcare, and financial assistance for youth provides a fresh and unique approach, the AAP remains a strong competitor, especially with its established reputation for welfare initiatives.

As the election date draws closer, it remains to be seen how voters in Delhi will respond to the BJP’s promises, and whether the party can translate its manifesto commitments into actionable policies that will improve the lives of the city’s residents.