AAP to release poll manifesto after R-Day for greater impact

The Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) will release its manifesto — a 50-point blueprint that it says can transform Delhi into a global city — immediately after the Republic Day celebrations are over.

The Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) will release its manifesto — a 50-point blueprint that it says can transform Delhi into a global city — immediately after the Republic Day celebrations are over.

During the 2013 assembly elections, AAP held mohalla sabhas (corner meetings) to figure out key issues and prepared 70 separate manifestos for as many constituencies. This time the party went for a repackaging and held Delhi Dialogues to crowd-source broad issues that hold for most seats.

“At each Delhi Dialogue, we have been spelling out our vision. We’re committed to women security, Jan Lokpal, full statehood for Delhi. Issues such as electricity, water, health and education are on our agenda,” said a senior AAP leader.

The party says its manifesto is ready but its release is being delayed to ensure it does not get lost in US President Barack Obama’s visit around R-Day.

Delhi Dialogue started in November and has so far promised eight lakh new jobs, 30,000 beds in hospitals, 20 new colleges, education loans to all needy students, CCTVs and WiFi in public areas, slashing electricity bills by half and free lifeline water.

“The Yamuna, heart of Delhi’s heritage, has become toxic and polluted. Our dying river needs revival. For dignified existence, a family of five needs 700 litres of water daily; this lifeline water shall be given free,” he said.

The Aam Aadmi Party claims to have interacted with professionals, housewives, students, youths, women, people from villages, industrialists, people from JJ cluster and unauthorised colonies to identify the issues and find solutions.