War of numbers over AAP’s poll promises for Punjab
The Hindu
Congress, Akalis accuse Kejriwal of deception, say freebies unviable
As Assembly elections in Punjab inch closer, the Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) is hard-selling its ‘Delhi model’ of development and governance in the State. However, its slew of freebies on offer has come in for criticism from political rivals.
AAP supremo and Delhi Chief Minister has been visiting the State and making populist announcements ahead of the Assembly elections due in early 2022. The party’s key election promises so far include free education for every child born in Punjab in government schools; free medical treatment at government hospitals; free electricity upto 300 units to every household; a monthly stipend of ₹1,000 for women and providing ₹1 crore for Army and Police personnel killed in the line of duty.
Last week, Mr. Kejriwal launched what the party termed the ‘World’s largest Women’s Empowerment Campaign’ under which women above the age of 18 would be paid ₹1,000 per month if the AAP is voted to power.