What TV doesn't, print can't; we deliver.
What TV doesn't, print can't; we deliver.
Kalkaji will witness a tough fight between AAP’s Atishi, BJP’s Ramesh Bidhuri and Congress’s Alka Lamba in the upcoming Delhi Elections
NEW DELHI: Outside a bustling electronics products market in Nehru Place, Nishikant Sharma, in his 30s, is unsparing in his criticism as he launches a volley of attack on the ruling Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) on the women empowerment.
“If, even after years of remaining in power, AAP now needs to promise ₹2,100 to women, it clearly indicates they haven’t performed their role well in their previous term,” says Sharma, clad in a puffer jacket paired with denims, when asked about the ongoing campaign of two women candidates — Alka Lamba of Congress and Atishi of AAP.
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Sharma says that a similar scheme launched by the party in Punjab spoke of lofty ideals it in its manifesto but rarely uses in the adminsitration.
“If they couldn’t deliver there, how can we trust them in Delhi?” he asks, adding, “Delhi is a large city. If ₹2,100 is given to every woman, where will the revenue come from? It will only put Delhi under a monetary burden.”
Such is the fury that Sharma says he would prefer Congress pick Lamba ahead of Atishi in Kalkaji.
“I prefer Alka Lamba because of her bold nature and ability to convince and work for people. Then comes Ramesh Bidhuri for his vast experience, and finally Atishi,” he quips.
Lack of trust in AAP and disenchantment with its welfare schemes is a growing sentiment among Delhiitees, who had reposed faith in AAP supremo Arvind Kejriwal for nearly 11 years.
Kartik Singla, a BTech student from GB Pant Engineering College, says dissatisfaction with the AAP government’s record in the education sector is even more pronounced than other sectors.
“The main USP they keep reminding us and speaking of is government schools and colleges, but as a student in a government engineering college, I can tell you that the facilities are null, and the fees has increased by five times,” says Singla.
The 22-year-old expresses disappointment in the promises AAP has made regarding improvements to government schools and colleges, emphasizing that the reality on the ground is different. ” Singla remarked.
“They just pretend to do lots of improvements and reforms, but it is not happening on the ground level,” he added, criticizing the lack of tangible progress in the education sector.
In Kalkaji, even local traders and businessmen – who once voted AAP to power — due to cheap electricity and subsidies aren’t positive on their victory.
Ramesh Bali, a businessman from Kalkaji, rallies behind Bidhuri.
“AAP’s reliance on freebies is the only way to win over masses. They want people to become dependent upon them, become complacent and not work. AAP is giving freebies to everyone, but commercial electricity tarriff hasn’t come down, Bali points out. He cited an example, mentioning that the electricity bill for his shop, which used to be ₹1,200 earlier, has doubled in the past six months.
Bali, who resides in B Block, the same area where Atishi, the current Delhi CM, lives, shares his frustrations with the local conditions. “The roads are damaged, she has done nothing, but now, as elections are around the corner, she is saying she will get it done,” Bali claimed.
He also launched criticism on the the state of basic amenities, particularly water. “The water is smelly and contaminated, and nothing has been done to fix that,” he adds.
