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Ahead of the 2025 Delhi Assembly elections, Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) leader Arvind Kejriwal announced that renters in Delhi will be included in the city’s free water and electricity schemes if AAP returns to power. Kejriwal highlighted the exclusion of tenants from these subsidies, despite their participation in other welfare programs. “Wherever I go, I meet people living on rent who say they benefit from good schools and hospitals but are deprived of free electricity and water schemes,” he said. This exclusion is particularly affecting renters from the Purvanchal region, a community that constitutes a significant portion of Delhi’s rental population.
The proposal aims to address the financial strain faced by tenants, particularly those living in crowded buildings, where utility costs can be significant. Kejriwal explained that the new scheme would ensure renters receive the same free electricity and water benefits that property owners enjoy, reducing their financial burden. He pointed out that, although these renters benefit from programs like free bus rides, mohalla clinics, and health services, the lack of utility subsidies leaves a gap in their financial support.
In addition to the renters' welfare initiative, Kejriwal announced several other key welfare schemes that would be implemented if AAP returns to power. Among these is the expansion of the free bus ride initiative, which currently benefits only female students. The proposal would extend this benefit to male students as well, alongside a 50% concession in metro fares. This initiative aims to make education more accessible by reducing transportation costs for students across Delhi.
Furthermore, the AAP government proposed the ‘Mahila Samman Yojana,’ under which ₹2,100 will be provided monthly to women across the city. This is part of AAP’s broader efforts to address the economic challenges faced by women in Delhi. Additionally, the ‘Pujari Granthi Samman Yojana’ would provide an ₹18,000 monthly honorarium to priests of temples and granthis of Gurudwaras, recognizing their contributions to religious services.
The Delhi Assembly elections are scheduled for February 5, 2025, with the vote counting set for February 8. The elections will be held for all 70 seats in the Delhi Legislative Assembly. The Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) and Congress are expected to compete with AAP, which is aiming for a third consecutive term in office. This election follows the final date for the filing of nominations on January 17, with scrutiny completed by January 18 and withdrawals allowed until January 20.