Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal on Sunday described the upcoming Delhi Assembly election as a contest between two contrasting ideologies, with national implications.
The former CM of Delhi claimed the election is about deciding how taxpayers’ money should be spent. He accused the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) of using public funds to benefit a select group of wealthy individuals, while AAP’s model focuses on welfare programs for the general public.
“This election is about deciding how taxpayers’ money should be used. One ideology, represented by the BJP, gives away loans worth thousands of crores to its close associates. The other, our AAP model, focuses on free electricity, education, healthcare, and transportation to benefit the common man,” Kejriwal said during a press conference.
He further criticised the BJP-led government at the Centre, accusing it of writing off loans amounting to Rs 10 lakh crore for 400-500 industrialists over the past five years.
“The BJP’s model benefits its friends with loans, which are then written off in two or three years. In contrast, the AAP model directs resources toward direct benefits for the public, including welfare schemes worth nearly Rs 25,000 per month for each household in Delhi,” Kejriwal added.
Kejriwal also claimed that if the BJP were to win, it would end all welfare schemes implemented by the Delhi government, including free electricity and bus rides for women.
“The BJP has already stated it will stop these programs. I ask the people, will they be able to bear the cost if the BJP wins?” Kejriwal asked.
The Delhi Chief Minister also responded to BJP leaders calling welfare programs “freebies,” accusing the party of attempting to guilt-trip the middle class while offering substantial concessions to large businesses.
“When the BJP writes off loans worth thousands of crores for its allies, is that not a freebie?” Kejriwal questioned.
Voting for the 70-member Delhi Assembly will take place on February 5, with the results to be counted on February 8. AAP is seeking a third consecutive term, while the BJP aims to regain control of the capital for the first time since 1998.
