New Delhi, January 25, 2025: Now that the Delhi Assembly elections are close at hand, the BJP has made an array of promises to solve acute urban challenges and claim support from different segments of voters. At the very core of their manifesto is the formation of a welfare board for gig workers and the granting of ownership rights for properties to the residents of 1,700 unauthorized colonies.
Welfare Board for Gig Workers: A Promise to the Informal Workforce
The BJP recognizes the ever-growing gig economy in Delhi and wants a gig worker welfare board set up. It’s going to dispense social security benefits, health insurance, and all sorts of financial help to those in flexible, short-term, or on-demand or freelance work.
Their manifesto states that surely it is time to lend support to that segment of the labor force that has now become so central to the economic landscape in the city but often sucks at traditional employment benefits.
Property Ownership Rights: A Step Towards Rightful Closure
In a big move, the BJP has reiterated its commitment to granting property ownership rights to residents of 1,700 unauthorized colonies of Delhi. This has a goal to ensure legal recognition and protection to millions who have lived here for decades but without formal ownership papers.
The party believes that this will not only cover these settlements under law but will also assure basic services’ provision and assist in infrastructure development.
Historical Background and Prior Measures
The matter of unauthorized colonies has been one of the oldest disturbances in the Delhi urban planning territory. In October 2019, the central government declared its decision to grant ownership rights to the residents of 1,728 unauthorized colonies – an arrangement that was perhaps seen as a major boost for the BJP ahead of the assembly polls.
The party has since been very active in engaging the residents of these colonies to organize meetings and rallies, explaining the benefits of this decision.
Political Standing and Outreach Strategy
Tactical significance is placed on the focus of BJP towards unauthorized colonies, as these areas had been traditionally given a stronghold by the Aam Aadmi party.
With great urgency, the BJP aims to garner support from these colonies to achieve success towards its aim to break into AAP’s caste votership. The party held some very big rallies with residents in these colonies drawing attention to measures taken towards regularizing their position and assuring full support.
Accusation and Counterarguments
Opposition parties have slammed the BJP over its assurances, claiming that they are “populist” measures designed to fetch votes ahead of the poll dates. They maintain that while these may be great short-term fixes, they may end up as a long-term burden on the Treasury and very likely the city’s resources.
Detractors say virtually the same promises have been made in previous years without much being achieved, developing a sense of disbelief among residents.
With the elections fast approaching, the promises made by BJP of a Gig Workers Welfare Board and property rights for those in unauthorized colonies is part of the party’s strategy to be viewed as sensitive to contemporary urban issues to cater for the wide-ranging population in Delhi. The results of whether these pledges affect the voter sentiment will be seen in the polling.
