AAP promises cheaper power, statehood

Vibha Sharma

Tribune News service

New Delhi, January 31

With just seven days to go before Delhi Assembly polls, the Arvind Kejrwal-led Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) today released an extensive 40-page manifesto and a 70-point action plan, aimed at wooing all sections of society.

Kejriwal promised to people the Delhi Jan Lokpal Bill, Swaraj Bill, statehood, reduction in electricity bills by half, clean drinking water, free Wi-Fi, at least 10 lakh CCTV cameras for women’s safety across the city, increase in number of colleges and seats, better healthcare and generic medicines and a clean Yamuna.

“If 15,000 CCTV cameras can be installed for US President Barack Obama, we can certainly put 10-15 lakh CCTV cameras for the safety of women,” he said

Significantly, Kejriwal did not assign any specific deadlines for these promises, showing that he has matured as a politician since last year when he threw away the chief ministership after failing to have his way on the Jan Lokpal Bill. 
As per Kejriwal, some commitments — like a helpline on corruption and slashing of electricity bills would happen immediately — others — like a dedicated Delhi Jal Board pipeline for all households may take longer. “We will slash the power tariff by half. After that we will ensure a rigorous audit of the private discoms. All issues will be resolved in five years. Eradicating corruption, reducing inflation, providing a safe and secure Delhi for all citizens are our priorities,” he said.