BJP Unveils Second Manifesto for Delhi Election 2025: Promises Free Education ‘KG to PG’ for Needy Students

The Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) unveiled its second manifesto for the 2025 Delhi elections on Tuesday, highlighting its promise to provide free education “from KG to PG” for needy students in government educational institutions.

The announcement was made by BJP MP Anurag Thakur during the launch of the second part of the party’s ‘Sankalp Patra.’

In addition to the education pledge, the BJP promised a one-time financial assistance of ₹15,000 for students preparing for competitive exams and reimbursement for two-time travel and application fees.

This second manifesto builds upon the first one, released last week, which centered on women’s welfare.

It promised ₹2,500 monthly aid for women, ₹21,000 for every pregnant woman, LPG cylinders at ₹500, and a ₹2,500 pension for senior citizens.

BJP’s First Manifesto: Women-Centric Promises

The BJP’s first manifesto, launched by party president JP Nadda, was seen as a direct challenge to the Aam Aadmi Party’s (AAP) welfare-focused governance model.

It outlined various pro-women measures, such as the ‘Mahila Samridhi Yojana,’ which provides ₹2,500 monthly aid to women, surpassing the AAP’s proposed ₹2,100 aid.

Pregnant women would also receive ₹21,000 along with six nutrition kits under the ‘Chief Minister Matritva Suraksha Yojana.’

Nadda also assured voters that existing welfare schemes would continue and be improved by eliminating corruption.

Additional promises included implementing the Ayushman Bharat scheme in Delhi, providing an extra ₹5 lakh health cover, and offering one free LPG cylinder during Holi and Diwali.

AAP’s Response: Concerns Over Welfare Cuts

AAP leader and former Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal criticized the BJP’s manifestos, alleging they reveal plans to dismantle free health and education services.

Kejriwal claimed the BJP’s promise of free education for “needy” students signals an end to universal free education in government schools.

“This means parents will have to plead with BJP leaders to access free education for their children,” Kejriwal said, emphasizing that 1.8 million children currently benefit from AAP’s free education policy.

He also accused the BJP of planning to shut down Mohalla Clinics, forcing families to rely on expensive private healthcare.

Kejriwal warned that such policies would increase the financial burden on families, estimating an additional monthly expense of ₹15,000 for basic education and healthcare.

He called the BJP’s manifestos “dangerous” for Delhi and the nation, asserting they threaten the progress made under AAP governance.

Key Promises in BJP’s Second Manifesto

In its second manifesto, the BJP emphasized its focus on students and skill development:

• Free Education: Needy students to receive free education from kindergarten to postgraduate level in government institutions.
• Competitive Exam Support: One-time financial assistance of ₹15,000 for preparation and reimbursement of two-time travel and application fees for exams like UPSC and State PCS.
• Additional Support: Scheduled Caste students in technical and professional courses to receive a monthly stipend of ₹1,000.

The manifesto also included a skills training program for over 1.5 lakh young men and women and promises of welfare measures such as life insurance for domestic workers and auto-rickshaw drivers.

Triangular Contest in Delhi Elections

The Delhi assembly elections are scheduled for February 5, with results to be announced on February 8. The contest pits the BJP and Congress against the ruling AAP, which aims to secure a third consecutive term.

The BJP, out of power in Delhi for 27 years, has struggled in recent elections, securing single-digit seats in 2015 and 2020.

Meanwhile, the AAP has built its campaign on existing welfare schemes, including revamped government schools, Mohalla Clinics, and free electricity. The Congress, once dominant in Delhi, has also promised ₹2,500 monthly aid for women, similar to BJP’s offer.

BJP Criticizes AAP Governance

The BJP’s manifesto also targeted the AAP for alleged mismanagement and corruption, promising to investigate these issues if elected.

Anurag Thakur emphasized that the BJP’s promises come with “Modi ki guarantee” and will be implemented in a time-bound manner.

BJP’s proposed measures for students and workers include a welfare board for domestic workers and life insurance of ₹10 lakh, as well as scholarships for children of auto-rickshaw and taxi drivers.

Thakur highlighted the tragic deaths of three civil service aspirants during flooding in July 2024 as a reason for stronger governance and support for students.

AAP’s Warnings

Kejriwal urged voters to reject the BJP, claiming its policies would dismantle welfare schemes that have benefited millions. “If BJP wins, they will stop free education, shut Mohalla Clinics, and end schemes like free electricity and bus travel for women,” he said.

He appealed to voters to avoid pressing the “wrong button” during elections, asserting that BJP’s policies would jeopardize the financial stability of Delhi’s middle-class and economically weaker families. The BJP has yet to respond to these allegations.