Yamuna cleanup to Rs 2,500 aid: Tough road ahead for BJP
From cleaning the heavily polluted Yamuna to tackling air pollution, the BJP is set to confront a series of challenges in its first year of governance in Delhi. The party returned to power in the national capital after a 27-year hiatus. The new government, however, must move beyond celebrations and swiftly deliver on its poll promises. One of the most pressing tasks for it will be fulfilling its pledge to provide a monthly assistance of Rs 2,500 to every woman — a promise for which the PM even set a one-month deadline after the election results.
The recent election saw parties vying to outdo each other with promises of freebies, including free water, electricity, healthcare and travel, in a bid to win over voters. Initially, the BJP had criticised AAP for promoting a “freebie culture”. However, after AAP’s back-to-back victories in Delhi, even its rivals were compelled to adopt similar strategies.
In its manifesto, the BJP promised to implement Ayushman Bharat Yojana, offering free medical treatment of up to Rs 5 lakh, with an additional Rs 5 lakh cover provided by the state government for low-income households. The party also pledged free OPD and diagnostic services, along with treatment coverage of up to Rs 10 lakh, for senior citizens aged 70 and above.
However, officials have already raised concerns about the financial burden of these welfare schemes. Last month, they flagged the potential strain on the state budget, warning that the implementation of monthly assistance for women could push the government into a deficit running into thousands of crores. This, experts say, could exacerbate the government’s reliance on high-cost borrowings.
Another key promise in the BJP’s election campaign was cleaning the Yamuna, which remains heavily polluted. With the party now in power, expectations are high. To demonstrate immediate action, the government has begun deploying trash skimmers, weed harvesters and dredgers along a 57-km stretch of the river.
Cabinet minister Pankaj Kumar Singh has made an ambitious claim, assuring residents that the Yamuna would be cleaned by the upcoming Chhath festival. “You will see a transformed Yamuna by the next Chhath... We will pass the necessary decisions in the first Cabinet meeting and implement development schemes. As someone from Purvanchal, I promise you a clean and beautiful Yamuna,” he said.
Beyond environmental challenges, the BJP government must also address crumbling roads, choked sewage lines and an overburdened public transport system. Voters are expecting rapid infrastructure development, especially after the BJP’s criticism of AAP’s “hollow governance”. Ensuring visible improvements in road maintenance, metro expansion and water management will be critical to maintaining the BJP’s credibility.
