A Bold Agenda Amid Political Tumult
In a decisive move that underscores his readiness to challenge the status quo, Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal, freshly released from Tihar Jail under interim bail, presented a transformative vision for India. His announcement of the “10 Poll Guarantees” promises sweeping reforms that aim to redefine the landscape of Indian governance. This bold initiative, unveiled just a day after his release, marks a significant moment in the run-up to the 2024 Lok Sabha elections.
Nationwide Free Electricity: A Promise of Empowerment
Central to Kejriwal’s guarantees is the groundbreaking promise of free 24-hour electricity across the nation. This ambitious plan seeks not only to alleviate the economic burden on the poor but also to stabilize India’s energy framework. “By harnessing our capacity to produce more electricity than we consume, we can ensure that every household, especially the economically backward sections, benefit from this initiative,” Kejriwal stated, drawing on his successful models in Delhi and Punjab.
Revamping Education and Healthcare Systems
Kejriwal also pledges a colossal investment in the nation’s educational and healthcare infrastructures. With an allocated ₹5 lakh crore each for schools and hospitals, his plan is to elevate government facilities to standards surpassing those of private institutions. “Quality education and healthcare should be a right, not a privilege,” Kejriwal emphasized, proposing an overhaul that promises accessibility and excellence for all citizens.
Reclaiming Sovereignty and Securing the Future
Addressing national security, Kejriwal vowed to reclaim Indian land under Chinese occupation and to discontinue the controversial Agniveer scheme. His approach combines diplomatic efforts with robust military autonomy, reflecting a ‘Nation first’ stance that resonates with his audience.
Full Statehood for Delhi and Comprehensive Governance Reforms
Among other significant promises are the push for full statehood for Delhi, the provision of Minimum Support Price (MSP) for farmers, and the creation of two crore jobs annually. Additionally, Kejriwal aims to simplify the Goods and Services Tax (GST) to invigorate the economy and combat corruption rigorously, setting the stage for a governance model based on transparency and efficiency.
The Complete List of Kejriwal’s ’10 Poll Guarantees’
1. Electricity Guarantee: 24-hour electricity supply with the first 200 units free across the country.
2. Education Guarantee: Free, high-quality education for all, making government schools competitive with private schools.
3. Health Guarantee: Comprehensive healthcare overhaul, improving government hospitals to private hospital standards.
4. Land Reclamation Guarantee: Freeing India’s land currently under Chinese control, with full military support.
5. Agniveer Scheme Guarantee: Termination of the Agniveer scheme to strengthen traditional military recruitment.
6. MSP Guarantee: Ensuring Minimum Support Price for farmers as per the Swaminathan Commission.
7. Statehood Guarantee: Full statehood for Delhi to enhance local governance.
8. Employment Guarantee: Creation of two crore jobs each year to boost employment.
9. Anti-Corruption Guarantee: Eradication of corruption and policy transparency.
10. GST Simplification Guarantee: Simplifying GST to boost trade and surpass China’s trade capacity.
A Unified Coalition for Change
Despite the ambitious nature of his promises, Kejriwal acknowledges the necessity of collaboration within the INDIA coalition, a diverse group comprising major political entities such as the Congress, Trinamool Congress, and Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam. His leadership signals a readiness to meld these varied visions into a cohesive strategy that challenges the incumbent BJP-led National Democratic Alliance.
As the political drama unfolds with the approaching elections, Kejriwal’s guarantees are poised to spark significant dialogue and debate. Whether these promises will catalyze the change he envisions remains to be seen, but what’s clear is Arvind Kejriwal’s commitment to an inclusive and progressive India.