Congress Promises Subsidized LPG, Free Ration Kits, and Electricity in Bid for Delhi Assembly Power 

The Congress party has unveiled a series of welfare promises for Delhi residents as it campaigns for the upcoming Assembly elections scheduled on February 5. Telangana Chief Minister Revanth Reddy, joined by AICC Delhi in-charge Qazi Nizamuddin and Delhi Congress Chief Devender Yadav, announced the party’s ambitious agenda during a press conference. Among the key commitments are subsidized LPG cylinders at Rs 500, free ration kits, and free electricity for consumption up to 300 units.

Revanth Reddy emphasized that the Congress would implement its “five guarantees” if entrusted with power in the capital. These guarantees are part of the party’s broader strategy to address issues of inflation, unemployment, and social welfare. The promises include the previously announced ‘Pyaari Didi Yojana,’ which pledges a monthly grant of Rs 2,500 to women, and the ‘Jeevan Raksha Yojana,’ offering free health insurance coverage of up to Rs 25 lakh. Additionally, the Congress plans to provide Rs 8,500 per month for one year to educated unemployed youth.

The promises of Congress stand against the backdrop of competing agendas from the Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) and the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP), each presenting their own manifestos. A closer evaluation of these commitments reveals some key distinctions:

1. Congress’s Targeted Welfare Approach: Congress is focusing heavily on direct financial relief through subsidies, monetary grants, and welfare kits. The Rs 500 LPG cylinder, in particular, addresses rising household costs, while free electricity up to 300 units extends a significant utility benefit.
2. AAP’s Governance Track Record: The AAP, which has held power in Delhi since 2015, has already implemented policies like free electricity up to 200 units and free water up to 20,000 liters, positioning it as a leader in subsidy-driven governance. Its promises for expanded healthcare infrastructure and education reforms for the upcoming term aim to consolidate its core voter base.
3. BJP’s Development Agenda: The BJP, while focusing on broader infrastructure and governance reforms, has promised affordable housing and the extension of central welfare schemes in Delhi. Its manifesto leans on national-level achievements like the PM Ujjwala Yojana but lacks the hyper-local focus seen in AAP’s and Congress’s promises.
4. Economic Viability: Critics question the feasibility of Congress’s promises, particularly in a resource-constrained city-state like Delhi. AAP faces similar scrutiny, though its existing programs provide some credibility to its fiscal management capabilities. BJP’s focus on long-term development appears less ambitious in immediate economic relief but may appeal to urban middle-class voters.
5. Electoral Impact: Congress’s aggressive welfare guarantees could resonate with economically vulnerable voters, yet its organizational decline in Delhi over the past decade remains a significant challenge. AAP’s proven delivery of past promises and BJP’s focus on Modi’s popularity might overshadow Congress’s efforts.

Congress’s pledge to provide free health insurance, monthly allowances for women and unemployed youth, and subsidies for essential utilities is designed to appeal to a broad spectrum of voters. However, the party faces the uphill task of rebuilding its credibility in Delhi, where AAP has firmly established itself as a governance-oriented alternative, and BJP leverages its national influence.

As the campaign intensifies, the impact of these promises will depend on how effectively the Congress communicates its vision and addresses voters’ skepticism. With polling on February 5 and counting on February 8, Delhi residents will soon decide which party’s promises align with their aspirations and needs.

#DelhiElections #CongressPromises #Election2025 #AAPvsBJPvsCongress