Delhi polls 2013: Promises made by Congress, BJP & AAP in their manifestos

Make Delhi a full-fledged state. Check. Reduce price rise. Check. Make the city safer for women. Check. Given that it is election time in Delhi, all political parties have of course, decided to target voters on the issues that matter most. But election manifestos are arguably more interesting for their less headline-making promises.

Both the BJP and the AAP, for instance, have promised a greater expansion in the number of public libraries. An embattled Congress seeking re-election has promised the setting up of child-friendly courts to try offences against children.

The AAP wants to introduce a law setting up a security force across the city specifically for the safety of women, children and old people. What are the promises that each of the three main contenders make?

ET Magazine takes a look.

BJP: Harsh Vardhan

1. Set up cold storages to ensure timely and adequate availability of fruits and vegetables.

2. Introduce a common smart card for use across all modes of public transport.

3. Ensure lifelong availability of essential drugs.

4. Introduce a private OPD service in all government hospitals by specialists (government doctors).

5. 85% seats in Delhi colleges reserved for Delhiites. Alternatively, Delhiites to be given 4% concession in marks. Applicable to all those who (irrespective of origin) pass senior secondary exams in Delhi.

6. Introduce a parking master plan.

7. Facilitate working capital from the Delhi Finance Corporation to help women entrepreneurs.

8. Introduce special provisions for students from north-east states: a 24- hour helpline and special arrangements at police stations. Encourage local guardianship for them.

9. Extend public library system to far flung areas of Delhi.

10. Implement a mono-rail system in Delhi and expand coaches in the Delhi Metro.

11. Have single-window clearance to set up any new business.

12. Take steps to expand availability of domestic help and reduce their exploitation by introducing special training centres. Similar centres to be introduced for drivers too.