As rival BJP ramps up the pitch on nationalism in the campaign for the Assembly elections in Delhi, the ruling AAP today released its manifesto that emphasises upon a governance model that upholds the values enshrined in the Constitution and rises above religion and caste, and promises introduction of a 'Deshbhakti Curriculum' in schools while guaranteeing continuance of subsidy-driven benefits such as cheap electricity and water, and free bus rides for women.
“Aam Aadmi Party makes a commitment to the people of Delhi to serve and uphold, Justice, Liberty, Equality, Fraternity enshrined in the Preamble to the Constitution of India as fundamental to our Governance model,” states the opening line of the AAP manifesto.
The manifesto underlines the ongoing populist schemes of the Arvind Kejriwal government, assuring under the head 'Kejriwal Ki 10 Guarantee' that these initiatives will be continued. Mentioned as part of the ten guarantees are 24 hours uninterrupted power supply, free up to 200 units, 24-hour pure, piped water to every household, with 20,000 litres free, world-class education facility, holistic healthcare facilities through Mohalla clinics and state-of-the-art hospitals, biggest and cheapest public transport system, with free bus ride scheme to be made available to students besides women, reducing pollution levels by one-third, cleaning and rejuvenation of the Yamuna, making Delhi garbage and debris-free, appointing Mohalla Marshals for enhanced security of women, in addition to installing CCTV cameras, street lights and appointment of bus marshals, providing unauthorised colonies with basic amenities and giving slum-dwellers pucca housing.
The AAP, in the wake of the BJP's emphasis on nationalism in the election campaign, has promised to bring in a Deshbhakti curriculum in the schools run by the Delhi government.
The party has pledged free pilgrimage for ten lakh senior citizens over the next five years, compensation of Rs one crore for Safai Karmacharis who did their duty, doorstep delivery of ration, full ownership rights with freehold status for residents of resettlement colonies, regularisation and registry of properties in unauthorised colonies, continued compensation to farmers on crop loss and legal protection for street vendors.
A few of its original promises have made a comeback, with the AAP resolving to get the Delhi Janlokpal Bill passed by the Centre, pledging to bring in a strong Delhi Swaraj Bill that will formalise the roles and responsibilities of Mohalla Sabhas meant as a way to devolve power and involve people in decision-making and demanding full statehood for Delhi.
Amongst the 28-point agenda for the next five years are introducing a course in spoken English and soft skills for students who have passed out of schools in the capital, creating job opportunities for women who want to work from home or near their homes, simplifying criteria for OBC certificate and regularisation of contract employees.
Seeking to enlist the support of traders, the AAP has assured freedom from 'raid raj', taking all legal and administrative measures to ensure that the sealed shops are opened, up-gradation of markets and industrial areas and amnesty in old VAT cases.
In line with the decision taken to allow commercial establishments to function round the clock in Mumbai, the AAP has said it will establish 24x7 markets on a pilot basis in key commercial areas.
With an eye on the Purvanchali voters, the party has promised to pursue with the Central government for the Bhojpuri language to be included in the Eighth Schedule of the Constitution.
The party has also promised that it will ensure that the findings of the Supreme Court-appointed SIT under Justice S N Dhingra are acted upon promptly and the victims of the 1984 anti-Sikh riots get justice.
“In the last five years, our government has ensured that the people of Delhi get relief when it comes to basic amenities such as schools, electricity and water. The next five years will be about taking Delhi to the next level and making it a modern, world-class city,” Kejriwal said.
He said the manifesto takes into account the needs and aspirations of all sections of the society and will also ensure the involvement of the two crore people of Delhi in its development.
