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Fact Sheet: An Unrealistic Manifesto

Fact Sheet: An Unrealistic Manifesto

That Kejriwal is once again taking the people of Delhi for a ride is evident from his manifesto. If one were to compare the manifesto of the AAP with that of the BJP, it is clear that Kejriwal has once again planned for some fantastic schemes, schemes that would require huge funding and are not easy to deliver on.

Let us have a look at some of the key aspects:

Full statehood to Delhi: The key political demand for full statehood for Delhi finds mention only in the manifesto of AAP, which has committed to working towards it. The BJP's vision document has no mention of it. Statehood is not an easy issue and last time, the BJP tried in the last decade, it was toppled.

Power bills: AAP has promised to halve the power bills. Other than promising significant cuts, BJP offers no specifics. Where does Kejriwal intend to bridge the deficit in revenue from? Wouldn’t he be better off by coming down heavily on unauthorized connections which run into crores of rupees of loss to the exchequer?

Lokpal Bill: AAP has promised the implementation of ‘Janlokpal Bill’ to tackle graft. BJP has only promised corrupt-free governance.

Water supply: AAP has promised free water for all up to 700 litres per month. BJP says it will review and rationalize water bills.

If elected, AAP, will demand full statehood for Delhi, seek control of the Delhi Police (now under the home ministry), and run the city-state with the help of nearly 3,000-3,500 mohalla sabhas (each comprising around 500-1,000 households). It will build Delhi’s own power plant, create 500 new schools and 20 new colleges, quadruple the number of secondary and tertiary public hospital beds, recruit 4,000 doctors and 15,000 paramedics, build two lakh public toilets, invest in public transport, and generally abolish contract labour everywhere.

In a 42-page manifesto, the question of how all this extravaganza is going to be funded gets almost no mention. The only indication that AAP will somehow try and marry finite resources with infinite promises comes towards the end, where it solves the equation with two glib statements.

First, the manifesto claims (unconvincingly) that “the common theme across all policy interventions is the following motto: big change without big spending.”

It is good to know that power plants, hospitals and schools can be built without much moolah. Then comes the humble admission: “However, we know our limitations, and realise that the only way to deliver our promises is to look for innovative solutions, spend efficiently and raise revenue.”

It is absolutely clear from this that the BJP manifesto is far more grounded. Kejriwal in his desperation to get back to power is just throwing dreams at the public once again.

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