NEW DELHI: Where the three major political parties in Delhi are trying to woo voters with schemes like ₹2,100 from AAP, ₹2,500 from Congress, and free healthcare treatment for women from BJP, The New Indian found that Delhiites are no longer willing to take the bait of freebies.
Voters walking outside the bustling galleries of Connaught Place, which falls under the New Delhi constituency, are expressing growing dissatisfaction with the ruling AAP government and their services like free electricity and free bus rides for women, sparking a debate on whether the party wins elections solely based on freebies and false promises.
“Kejriwal shouldn’t come at all,” said Kamal Choudhary, a long-time resident of Delhi. “The city’s condition has worsened significantly over the last 10–15 years. BJP should win, but I request them to work and not just distribute freebies.”
“Free electricity and water aren’t solutions. We aren’t so poor that we can’t pay for basic utilities. People shouldn’t fall for Arvind Kejriwal’s promises anymore,” he added.
A day after the Election Commission of India announced the date for the Assembly election in Delhi, The New Indian team went on the ground to gauge the mood of Delhiites.
AAP, led by Arvind Kejriwal, finds itself at the center of public scrutiny. The growing discontent persists despite AAP’s initiatives in healthcare and education. Many residents believe that while the party had a promising start, its governance model has fallen short of expectations.
“Go visit those neighborhood clinics they boast about. You’ll find stray dogs sitting there instead of doctors,” remarked Premdas Mishra from Sonia Vihar, who was draping a shawl over his black jacket to save himself from the cold of Delhi.
Premadas at Caonnaught Place said that there are stray dogs instead of doctors in the mohalla clinics
“Kejriwal has done good work in the past,” admitted Vishnu, a young voter in his late 20s. “But he’s becoming a quitter. We cannot rely on someone who resigns when things get tough.”
Vishnu, a Delhi voter, said that there should be schemes for men as well.
Deepak, another young voter and resident of Delhi, said, “AAP has done some good work, but it’s not very visible to the people. The water problem, pollution, and the cleanliness of the Yamuna are all still major issues.”
On the other hand, the BJP has been steadily gaining ground, riding on Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s popularity. “Modi has distributed houses to the poor, given flats to senior citizens—good-quality ones,” said a resident.
PM Narendra Modi has distributed keys for 1,675 flats near JJ Dwellers in Ashok Vihar, Delhi, and has promised 3,000 more houses under construction during his election campaign.
“Modi Ji is doing an excellent job at the national level,” said Choudhary, highlighting initiatives like Swachh Bharat. “If BJP focuses on unemployment, corruption, and environmental issues, they can make a significant difference in Delhi.”
The Congress party remains on shaky ground. Sandeep Dixit, the son of former CM Sheila Dixit, has been unable to inspire confidence among voters. “Sheila Ji transformed Delhi beautifully during her tenure,” Choudhary noted, “but I’m unsure how much Sandeep Dixit can accomplish.”
Meanwhile, BJP’s local candidates, such as Pravesh Verma, are receiving a warm response. “He is a good candidate; he’s got potential,” Mishra remarked. He added that Modi’s consistent efforts, like distributing housing to the poor, resonate with voters.
As the elections draw near, the demand for change becomes louder, with many residents calling for practical solutions over populist schemes. “They have not given ₹1,000 in Punjab and are quacking about giving ₹2,100 to women in Delhi,” said Sandeep Vashisht, another Delhiite.
The New Delhi constituency is set to witness a triangular fight among AAP’s chief Arvind Kejriwal, BJP’s Pravesh Verma—son of Delhi’s first Chief Minister—and Congress’ Sandeep Dixit, son of former Chief Minister Sheila Dixit, who served three continuous terms.
Khusboo Kumari
Khushboo Kumari is a journalist with The New Indian and an avid storyteller, skilled in writing satirical critiques.
