Delhi Assembly Elections: AAP, BJP, Congress Vie for Voters' Attention

New Delhi— The Feb 5 Delhi Assembly elections are shaping up to be a memorable contest, marked by unique campaign styles, political twists and controversies. The ruling Aam Aadmi Party (AAP), the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) and the Congress are vying for voters’ attention, each promising a range of benefits and attacking their rivals.

The campaign has centered on issues such as corruption, pollution, voter name deletion, free power and water, monetary and health schemes, jobs for bus marshals and youth, development in unauthorized colonies and pucca homes for slum dwellers.

One of the most prominent controversies involves the renovation of Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal’s house, dubbed “Sheesh Mahal” by the BJP. As per the CAG findings, the BJP alleged that the renovation cost of the CM's house increased from Rs. 8 crore to Rs. 32 crore due to corruption. The AAP denied these allegations, highlighting its clean image and crowd-funding of campaign expenses.

Another controversy erupted regarding the deletion of voters’ names from electoral rolls. The AAP accused the BJP of getting names deleted, including that of AAP MP Sanjay Singh’s wife, from the rolls. The BJP countered by alleging that the AAP added bogus voters to the lists.

The parties have also been engaged in a “welfare scheme war,” with each promising various benefits to different sections of voters. The BJP has relied on Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s assurance of continuing existing welfare schemes and promises of additional benefits like rooftop solar power generation. The BJP also highlighted the free ration scheme and affordable generic medicine outlets (PMBJP) of the central government.

The campaign has also seen its share of entertainment, with both the AAP and the BJP releasing election songs. Both the AAP and the BJP launched election songs, with the AAP’s titled “Phir laayenge Kejriwal” and the BJP’s titled “Badal ke Rahenge.”

With just weeks remaining until the election, the battle for Delhi’s Assembly seats intensifies, with all parties pulling out all the stops to secure victory.