Delhi polls: AAP releases manifesto with '70-point action plan'

NEW DELHI: The Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) released its manifesto on Saturday packed with promises such as full statehood for Del- hi, pro-farmer land acquisition norms as well as an old assurance of enacting a new anti- corruption law, many of which could again set the stage for showdowns between the central and state governments if its convenor Arvind Kejriwal returns to power.

The difference this time, Kejriwal hinted, would be that the AAP government may not resort to agitations should it win the election. “We are hopeful that the BJP [government] will cooperate for the needs of Delhi,” he said at the launch of his party’s manifesto in the presence of colleagues Manish Sisodia, Yo- gendra Yadav, Ashutosh and Ashish Khetan.

During his 49-day stint as Delhi chief minis- ter, Kejriwal was at odds with the central gov- ernment over the introduction of the Delhi Jan Lokpal Bill in the state assembly and the mat- ter of full statehood.

The AAP manifesto makes 70 promises in a bid to stitch up an unusual coalition of support from the rich, middle class and the poor. The promises to the voters of Delhi include afford- able healthcare and education, free water and cheaper power, creation of new jobs as well as ‘One Rank, One Pension’, the last aimed at government officials.

AAP’s agenda covers swaraj (making the gov- ernment directly responsible to the people), clean water, cleaner Delhi, women’s safety, em- powerment of rural and village areas, making Delhi a drug-free city, connecting villages by metro, reducing unemployment and cleaning Yamuna, among others. Unlike the last time, the party has not set a deadline for fulfilling any of the promise. “We want a Delhi in which eve- ry section of society, the poor, middle class and the rich, can progress. Where people of every community and religion can flourish. This manifesto reflects everyone’s suggestions and aspirations,” Kejriwal said.

On Saturday, Kejriwal attacked the BJP and Congress. “For AAP, the manifesto is like the Gita, Quran, Bible and the Guru Granth Sahib . It’s not a mere formality like it is for the Con- gress and BJP.” “I am told BJP is not releasing a manifesto this time. It seems they don’t want to make any promises at all. When their CM candidate was asked about unauthorised colonies, she spoke of JJ colonies,” he said.