After nearly three decades, the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) has made a stunning comeback in Delhi, ending the long rule of the Aam Aadmi Party (AAP). The party officially announced Rekha Gupta as the new Chief Minister of Delhi after much anticipation following the election results. She and her cabinet members are set to take oath on February 20.
However, the BJP government will face major challenges as it takes charge of the national capital. From fulfilling election promises to tackling water, electricity, and pollution crises, the new administration has its work cut out. Here are the five biggest challenges ahead for the Rekha Gupta-led BJP government in Delhi:
1. Delivering on Election Promises
The BJP made several big-ticket promises to Delhi’s voters, particularly to women. The party pledged to provide financial assistance of Rs 2,500 to women beneficiaries by March 8 (International Women’s Day). Prime Minister Narendra Modi himself had assured that this was “Modi’s guarantee.”
In addition, the party promised Rs 21,000 as aid to pregnant women, among other welfare schemes. Implementing these initiatives within a short time frame and ensuring a smooth financial rollout will be a major challenge for the new government.
2. Water and Electricity Crisis
Water shortage and erratic electricity supply remain long-standing issues in Delhi. Many parts of the city continue to suffer from irregular water supply, worsened by the pollution of the Yamuna River. The BJP has vowed to provide clean drinking water, but ensuring consistent availability and quality will be a tough task.
Meanwhile, power supply is another major concern. After the BJP’s victory, AAP leaders criticized the party over power outages. The new government will have to prove its efficiency by delivering uninterrupted electricity across Delhi.
3. Air Pollution: A Recurring Crisis
Delhi’s air pollution crisis worsens every winter due to stubble burning, vehicular emissions, and industrial pollution. The outgoing AAP government struggled to control the hazardous Air Quality Index (AQI) levels, often reaching the severe category.
The BJP government will need to focus on long-term solutions such as expanding green cover, promoting electric vehicles, and improving waste management to make a significant impact on Delhi’s air quality.
4. Law and Order Challenges
Women’s safety and crime rates remain a major concern in the national capital. Previously, the AAP government had blamed the Delhi Police (which reports to the Centre) for any security failures. However, with the BJP in power, it will no longer have an external authority to blame.
The new government will be under immense pressure to improve law enforcement, curb rising crime, and ensure better policing to make Delhi safer for its residents.
5. Balancing Welfare Schemes and Financial Stability
One of the biggest reasons for Arvind Kejriwal’s success in Delhi was the AAP government’s welfare schemes, including free water, electricity, healthcare (mohalla clinics), and improved education in government schools.
The BJP, too, has promised similar welfare measures in its Sankalp Patra (manifesto). However, maintaining these schemes while ensuring financial stability for Delhi will be a major challenge. The government will have to strike a balance between social welfare and fiscal prudence to avoid economic strain.
Looking Ahead
As Rekha Gupta prepares to take charge as Delhi’s Chief Minister, all eyes will be on her administration’s ability to fulfill promises, manage resources, and tackle governance challenges. The BJP’s return to power in Delhi after 27 years marks a significant shift in the city’s political landscape. Whether the new government can live up to expectations remains to be seen.