AAP's Distribution of Freebies Ahead of Delhi Elections to Support Kejriwal

New Delhi, Jan 7 (NationPress) The Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) is experiencing significant turbulence following the arrest of several leaders, including former Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal, in corruption-related cases. In a bid to regain favor among the Delhi populace, the AAP is making numerous promises. From leveraging religious sentiments to rolling out targeted welfare programs for women and senior citizens, the party is leaving no stone unturned to maintain its support base and secure another term.

The AAP is currently under scrutiny due to the Delhi excise policy case, which has led to the imprisonment of its convenor, former deputy Chief Minister Manish Sisodia, and MP Sanjay Singh. Additionally, Kejriwal is facing backlash over the 'Sheesh Mahal' controversy, where he has been criticized for allegedly misusing taxpayer funds for luxury expenditures, contradicting his image as an 'Aam Aadmi' (common man).

To combat anti-incumbency sentiments, AAP has unveiled five new initiatives designed to attract votes from temple priests, granthis, women, the elderly, and Dalits.

The AAP Mukhya Mantri Mahila Samman Yojana offers financial assistance of Rs 2,100 monthly to women from families earning less than Rs 3 lakh annually.

Meanwhile, the Sanjeevani Yojana aims to provide complimentary medical treatment to residents over 60 years old at both private and government hospitals.

However, Kejriwal faced considerable embarrassment when two departments of the Delhi government claimed that these welfare schemes were nonexistent.

Under the Puja Granthi Samman Yojana, the AAP has promised an allowance of Rs 18,000 monthly to Hindu temple priests and Gurdwara granthis.

Moreover, the AAP has pledged to cover the educational, travel, and accommodation expenses for Dalit students from Delhi who gain admission to international universities.

Additionally, the AAP has vowed to broaden pension coverage for the elderly.

Despite allegations of corruption from both the Congress and the BJP, Kejriwal's party continues to present itself as 'Kattar Imandaar' (staunchly honest).

Notably, Prime Minister Narendra Modi has labeled Kejriwal as a 'kattad beimaan' (bigoted dishonest).

Quoting the Comptroller and Auditor General (CAG) report, the BJP has alleged that renovations of the Sheesh Mahal cost over Rs 33.66 crore as of 2022, without clear documentation of total expenditures to date.

In the 2020 Assembly elections, the AAP secured 62 out of 70 seats, while in 2015, it won 67 seats.

The Election Commission of India is expected to announce the schedule for the upcoming Delhi Assembly polls on Tuesday.

Delhi boasts a voter population of 1,55,24,858, with the current Assembly's term ending on February 23.