AAP supremo Arvind Kejriwal on Sunday described the upcoming Delhi Assembly election as a choice between two contrasting ideologies, asserting that the contest extends beyond the national capital to represent the future of the country.
Speaking at a press conference, Kejriwal said, “This election is about deciding how taxpayers’ money should be spent. One ideology, represented by the BJP, uses public funds to waive loans worth thousands of crores for its close associates. The other, our AAP model, focuses on providing free electricity, education, health care, and transport to benefit the common man.”
BJP vs AAP: The clash of models
The AAP leader alleged that the BJP-led Centre had waived debts worth Rs 10 lakh crore for 400-500 industrialists over the past five years. In contrast, Kejriwal said his government offers welfare schemes valued at approximately Rs 25,000 per household monthly in Delhi.
He further accused the BJP of planning to dismantle AAP’s welfare initiatives if it wins the election. “The BJP has already clarified it will stop free electricity, free bus rides for women, and other benefits. I ask the people, can they afford this cost if the BJP is elected?”
Criticism of ‘freebie’ narrative
Kejriwal also hit out at the BJP for labeling AAP’s welfare measures as “freebies.” “When the BJP waives loans worth thousands of crores for its friends, is that not a freebie?” he questioned, accusing the party of favoring big businesses at the expense of the common man.
Election details
The election for the 70-member Delhi Assembly will be held on February 5, with results to be declared on February 8. AAP is vying for a third consecutive term, while the BJP aims to reclaim power in Delhi after over two decades.
