Delhi Polls: Cong battles anti-incumbency, BJP to scrap BRT

New Delhi: There are a plethora of issues that were raised by various political parties in the run up to the Delhi Assembly elections 2008. The Congress - vying for a third term in the Capital - is battling an anti-incumbency factor, the BJP has put up internal security and price rise as their main political agendas whereas Mayawati's BSP is hoping that its Brahim-Dalit combine factor (which was responsible for its sweeping win in Uttar Pradesh) will act its magic in Delhi too. Here are some of the promises that have been made by the parties in a hope to conquer the capital of the country.

CONGRESS AGENDA

• SPECIAL STATUS: The Congress is asking for a special status for Delhi to ensure that all development funds are under one head and are spent effectively. The party hopes that a special status will give it rights such as bringing the municipal corporation, the DDA and administration of the Delhi Police directly under the Delhi government's control.
• DEVELOPMENT: The party has promised expansion of the Delhi Metro to reach every part of the city, more air-conditioned public transport buses as well as more low-floor buses by 2010. The party has committed to building another 4 to 5 lakh homes for the urban poor in next four years if voted to power.
• WOMEN'S RIGHTS: The party has promised to make Delhi a safer place for women. It says that the Ladli Scheme - introduced by Congress in its second term under which girls would get Rs 1 lakh on passing their XII standard examination - would be expanded.
• COMMONWEALTH GAMES: Congress has stressed on the fact that the 2010 Commonwealth Games would be given priority once infrastructure projects are completed.
• PARTY BUZZWORD: Congress is relying on a pro-incumbency factor to bring it back in power this year, outlining all its achievements in the last 10 years of being in power in Delhi.

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BJP AGENDA

• TRANSPORT FACILITIES: The controversial Bus Rapid Transit project has become a major issue in the Delhi Assembly elections and the BJP has promised to scrap the scheme and make the "entire stretch free for all" if voted to power. The party alleges the pollution level in Delhi has shot up significantly due to traffic jam at the five-km long stretch from Ambedkar Nagar to Moolchand in South Delhi. A third Ring Road would be constructed and all level railway crossings would be removed by grade separation.
• LAND: BJP has promised to help farmers on the Capital's hinterland get the market price for their land and in cases where acquisition by the state was absolutely essential it would provide a minimum of Rs 2 crore per acre as compensation to them. All unauthorised colonies would be regularised and provided with all civic amenities. Slum residents would be settled through in situ development. Plans would be drawn up to construct one lakh houses for them per year.
• DEVELOPMENT: All faulty electricity meters would be replaced within six months. Red cards will be introduced for the poor to enable them to buy wheat at Rs 2 per kg and rice at Rs 3 per kg at any store and the government would pay for the subsidy. BJP would also open 50 new colleges so that all students are able to secure admission in Delhi itself. The implementation of Punjabi as a second language would be ensured and other languages would also be promoted. BJP has said it will clean the waters of River Yamuna and also make parks and playgrounds along the banks for the benefit of the residents.
• WOMEN'S RIGHTS / CONCESSION FOR SENIOR CITIZENS: BJP has promised more powers for the Women's Commission. It says it will introduce stricter punishment for rapists, eve-teasers. Concessional tickets in Metro and residential complexes (old age homes) for senior citizens.
• COMMONWEALTH GAMES: Preparations for the Commonwealth Games-2010 would be speeded up so that Indian athletes get at least six months to practise and make the most of the home condition advantage, says BJP.
• TERRORISM: The 1984 riot case accused - which according to the BJP are roaming free in the Capital - will be caught and punished. BJP promises to track down all illegal infiltrators and send them back. It says that Afzal Guru will be hanged and more compensation will be given to victims of terrorism.
• PARTY BUZZWORD: Internal security, inflation and incompetence of Congress-led UPA government will be the buzzwords of saffron party BJP's attack on the Congress. The thrust will be on rising prices of essential commodities.

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BSP AGENDA

• RESERVATION: Mayawati is reaching out to Muslims and upper castes in Delhi by promising to provide reservation for poor among them if voted to power.
• LAND: BJP has promised to help farmers on the Capital's hinterland get the market price for their land and in cases where acquisition by the state was absolutely essential it would provide a minimum of Rs 2 crore per acre as compensation to them. All unauthorised colonies would be regularised and provided with all civic amenities. Slum residents would be settled through in situ development. Plans would be drawn up to construct one lakh houses for them per year.
• DEVELOPMENT: BSP says it will regularise colonies within months and not politicise the issue as it has been done in the past. The party is looking to focus more on the neglected sections of the society as well as rural areas. It has promised an increase in the Lal Dora (village boundaries), which has not been done in the past 100 years. Apart from this, power, water and welfare of all sections of the society figures in their project list.
• PARTY BUZZWORD: BSP is contesting the Assembly elections in a big way and if analysts are to be believed, it could seriously undercut the Congress' vote bank in Delhi elections. The figures of MCD elections clearly indicate that BSP has emerged as a threat to both Congress and BJP. BSP supremo Mayawati is determined to make a mark in Delhi and at the same time settle scores with the ruling party.