New Elections, New Promises

As election campaigns heat up, Delhi echoes with grand promises from contenders, each vowing to transform the city with groundbreaking policies. But do these promises ever materialize? Even when some do, the everyday struggles of Delhiites remain unchanged—women’s safety, unemployment, inflation, and unaffordable housing continue to cast long shadows over the capital. Last year alone, 2,141 rape cases were registered. The unemployment rate for those above 15 stands at a troubling 6.7%. And as the bitter Delhi winter settles in, countless people still find shelter beneath bridges, braving the cold. A new government will soon take the reins after this year’s election. But will Delhi’s people wake up to real change—or just the same old battles wrapped in fresh rhetoric?

Women Safety: Will Delhi Women Be Able To Walk Alone Safely on Roads and Metro at Night?

Delhi, often dubbed the "rape capital" of India. Reason: high rates of violence against women. Safety remains a priority over career aspirations for women here. Current ruling AAP government claims to enhance surveillance and police presence. But, critics argue that these measures are reactive and fail to tackle the root causes of gender-based violence. The central government, although lacking direct authority in Delhi, has a responsibility for women's safety, which appears to have been overlooked or undervalued.

Amid elections, voters again raise questions about the effectiveness of political promises made regarding women safety. Government’s past failures highlight the need for a more proactive approach to protecting women and addressing systemic issues.

Unemployment Crisis: Election Promises vs. Reality

The economic situation in Delhi is troubled by increasing unemployment rates, worsened by the COVID-19 pandemic. The unemployment rate in the nation's capital stands at 5.1% for men and 6% for women, which is higher than the national average of 4.4% for men and 3.3% for women.

The AAP vows new job opportunities for youth, though details are lacking. The BJP promises 50,000 government jobs and 2 million self-employment opportunities. While both parties are in a fierce race, trying to outdo one another with promises to win the votes of Delhi’s people, the true test will come when these lofty ideas transform into concrete actions.

Disillusioned Voices Amid Rising Inflation

In every election, affordable food items, free electricity and water supply, and economic fuel prices make it to the political party’s manifesto. But records show another picture.

The rising prices of essentials like food and fuel have left many, like Babli, frustrated and disillusioned. Babli, a 40-year-old from Wazirpur JJ Cluster, voiced her anger, saying, “My vote goes to no one. The government promised money through the labour card, but it never came. Now they promise money to women in the city. We know it’s all false. Nothing will change for the lower classes in this city. We get free water, but it’s dirty. We get free electricity, but the bills are still high. We just have to make peace with it.”

Rising Housing Costs and Growing Homelessness

A recent survey in West Delhi found that 53.8% of respondents experienced rising housing costs, while only 4.6% saw a decline. Despite Delhi’s appeal for employment and education, rapid urbanization and inadequate government focus on affordable housing leave many homeless, especially during harsh winter conditions.

Glimps of AAP Development Works in Delhi, Promises Of BJP and Congress For Future

As per the report card given by Delhi CM Arvind Kejriwal, the following are development works AAP did for Delhi during its tenure:

Efficient education policies and free health facilities.
Promotion of electric vehicles with free registration and installation of charging and battery swapping stations.
The Happiness Curriculum initiative focused on mental health awareness for school children from primary to eighth grade in government schools.
Doorstep delivery of services like driving licenses and marriage certificates at a nominal cost.
Establishment of 189 primary healthcare centers in residential areas offering free consultations, tests, and medicines.
Free rides for women in Delhi via DTC buses to ensure safety.
No electricity bill for consumption up to 200 units, and a 50% subsidy for households consuming 201 to 401 units.

Promises of BJP and Congress for the Future

"Vikasit Dilli Sankalp Patra" Manifesto Of BJP:

Promises Mahila Samridhi Yojana, and Ayushman Bharat Scheme expansion.
Offers Rs 10 lakh health insurance for senior citizens and disadvantaged families.
Offers free electricity for up to 200 units.
Provides Rs 500 subsidies on LPG cylinders.

Congress Manifesto for Delhi includes:

Cash transfer of Rs 2,500 monthly to women under Pyari Didi Yojana.
Promises up to 300 units of free electricity
Offers Rs 25 lakh health insurance coverage under Jeevan Raksha Yojana.
Promises subsidized LPG cylinders at Rs 500.

What Residents Want from Future Government in Delhi

Implement strict rules for women's safety in the city.
Address the water crisis by cleaning the Yamuna for a healthier environment.
Enhance road infrastructure and traffic management.
Develop policies for better youth employment opportunities.
Revamp city planning for better livability and sustainability.
Offer shelter to those displaced during infrastructure development.

As Delhi’s elections are ongoing, political leaders need to move beyond empty promises and deliver actionable solutions. To gain the electorate’s trust, they must focus on concrete plans that bring lasting, meaningful change to residents' lives.

With inputs from agencies

Image Source: Multiple agencies

The views expressed are personal to the author and do not reflect the platform's opinion of the same.

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Ayushi is passionate about creating content that not only interests the reader but actually helps them add to their knowledge. Holding a degree in science, Ayushi is exploring her creative writing as she transforms ideas into compelling narratives that resonate with readers.