Is Delhi’s Freebies Era Over? The 2025 Delhi Legislative Assembly election marked a significant political shift, with the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) securing a majority after 27 years. The BJP won 47 out of 70 seats, ending the Aam Aadmi Party’s (AAP) decade-long governance. This change in leadership has led to concerns about the future of Delhi’s welfare schemes, commonly referred to as freebies, which were a hallmark of AAP’s governance.
The Legacy of AAP’s Welfare Schemes
Under AAP’s leadership, Delhi witnessed the implementation of several welfare initiatives aimed at improving the quality of life for its residents. These included:
- Free Electricity for households consuming up to 200 units
- Free Water Supply of up to 20,000 liters per month
- Free Bus Rides for women in public transport
- Free Medicines and Diagnostics in government healthcare facilities
- Significant Improvements in Public Education through better infrastructure and higher teaching quality
These initiatives were highly popular among Delhi’s residents and played a crucial role in AAP’s electoral success in previous years.
BJP’s Stance on Existing Welfare Schemes
During the election campaign, the BJP made assurances about the continuation of Delhi’s welfare schemes. Ramvir Singh Bidhuri, chairman of the BJP’s manifesto committee, stated that if the BJP came to power, it would continue free electricity, free water, and free bus rides for women. He also emphasized that these schemes would be implemented in a better way and that the Ayushman Bharat health scheme would be introduced in Delhi.
Despite these assurances, the AAP expressed doubts. AAP leaders argued that the BJP had previously opposed welfare schemes and had not implemented similar benefits in BJP-ruled states. They also claimed that if the BJP assumed power in Delhi, it might discontinue these free services.
Analyzing Key Welfare Schemes
1. Free Electricity
The AAP government introduced free electricity for households consuming up to 200 units per month, providing major relief to lower and middle-income families. The BJP has committed to continuing this scheme, and there are speculations that they might even expand the subsidy for more users.
2. Free Water Supply
AAP’s free water scheme provided up to 20,000 liters per month per household. This initiative helped lakhs of families, ensuring basic water security. The BJP’s manifesto suggests that they will continue this scheme, recognizing its importance in public health and hygiene.
3. Free Medicines and Healthcare Services
The AAP government ensured that medicines and diagnostics in government hospitals were available for free. This helped thousands of underprivileged families. The BJP plans to implement the Ayushman Bharat scheme, which would provide health insurance coverage of up to ₹5 lakh per family per year.
4. Free Education
Delhi’s government schools saw a massive transformation under AAP, with better infrastructure, improved teacher training, and higher student enrollment. While the BJP has not explicitly stated any changes, it is expected to maintain and enhance public education facilities.
Future Outlook
With the BJP now in power, the continuation and possible expansion of Delhi’s welfare schemes will be closely observed. The party’s commitments indicate that they recognize the popularity and impact of these initiatives. However, whether they maintain, modify, or phase out these programs remains to be seen.
In conclusion, while Delhi’s political landscape has changed, the welfare schemes initiated by AAP are expected to continue under the BJP’s administration. Their implementation strategy and any potential modifications will be closely watched by both voters and policymakers.