Promises vs Pockets: BJP’s real battle begins after historic Delhi win

After a historic win in Delhi, the BJP faces a major task: fulfilling ambitious pre-election promises while balancing the state's finances.

The BJP's commitments to outpace AAP’s welfare-oriented initiatives included a monthly guarantee of Rs 2,500 for poor women and senior citizens (increasing to Rs 3,000 for those above 70), Rs 21,000 for all expectant mothers, and free education from kindergarten to postgraduate levels for students coming from poor families.

The financial strain of these promises is evident. Delhi's projected tax revenue for 2024-25 stands at Rs 58,750 crore, while the overall budget amounts to Rs 76,000 crore, as per a TOI report. Education remains the top priority, accounting for Rs 16,396 crore (22%) of the budget, followed by housing, urban development, healthcare, transport, and social welfare expenditures, the report further stated.


With more than two-thirds of the budget allocated to salaries and administrative costs, the finance department previously flagged concerns about a potential deficit. Revenues from taxes and other sources are projected to decline from Rs 64,142 crore to Rs 62,415 crore by the end of the fiscal year.

The monthly Rs 2,500 payment for underprivileged women alone is expected to cost around Rs 11,000 crore annually, TOI reported, drawing parallels to a similar scheme proposed by AAP. Pension commitments for the 24.4 lakh senior citizens in Delhi will require an additional Rs 4,100 crore annually.

Similarly, the Yamuna cleanup alone has cost around Rs 8,000 crore over the years, while an estimated Rs 10,200 crore is required to upgrade hospitals. Delhi Metro expansions will require Rs 2,700 crore for Phase III completion and Phase IV development.

When asked about financing these promises, a source quoted by TOI suggested diverting funds from capital expenditure or seeking financial support from the Centre, considering Delhi's Union Territory status.

Delhi BJP chief Virendra Sachdeva emphasised the central government's readiness to assist. "The Centre had previously offered support for initiatives like Ayushman Bharat Yojana, but AAP refused to extend these benefits to Delhi residents. Now that BJP has won, we will arrange funds, plug leakages, and eliminate corruption," Sachdeva told TOI.

The new administration faces a month-long deadline to finalise the budget for the next fiscal year, which is expected to be presented in March.

(With inputs from TOI)