In a significant move ahead of the upcoming civic polls, the Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) has laid out its vision for India's financial capital, promising a radical transformation based on its governance models in Delhi and Punjab. The party's Mumbai manifesto, branded as 'Kejriwalchi Guarantee', was unveiled by senior leader and former Delhi minister Atishi on December 30.
A Direct Challenge to Decades of Neglect
Addressing a press conference, Atishi launched a scathing attack on the established political parties that have governed Mumbai, accusing them of prioritizing greed and corruption over public interest. She painted a stark picture of the city's current state, describing it as the 'ugly, dirty, and unsafe face of urbanization' despite its enormous wealth.
'All established parties have failed Mumbaikars,' she asserted. The manifesto, she claimed, is not merely an alternative but a concrete, proven plan to restore the city's dignity and unlock its potential to become a template for the world.
The Core Promises: Delhi Model for Mumbai
The cornerstone of AAP's Mumbai pledge revolves around providing high-quality public services free of cost, mirroring its flagship schemes in other states. The key guarantees include:
- World-class free healthcare: Highlighting that primary healthcare is virtually non-existent for many, AAP promises to establish a robust and accessible free health system.
- World-class free education: The party vows to revolutionize Mumbai's government school system, aiming to make it a benchmark for quality.
- Free electricity: Taking a leaf from its Delhi and Punjab playbooks, AAP commits to providing free power up to a certain unit consumption for the city's residents.
Atishi emphasized that this transformative agenda is built on the party's 'proven governance model' and is a direct solution to what she termed decades of neglect.
Fighting on 'Kaam Ki Rajneeti' Amid Alliance 'Khichdi'
Preeti Sharma Menon, the party's Mumbai president, also addressed the media, criticizing the confusing political landscape. She described the current scenario as a 'khichdi of alliances', where parties are partners in one corporation and opponents in another, creating chaos for voters.
In contrast, she stated, 'AAP is fighting these elections on our 'Kaam Ki Rajneeti' (Politics of Work).' She added that the party has provided opportunities to educated young candidates with a verifiable track record in public service, positioning itself as a clean alternative focused on governance and development.
The launch of 'Kejriwalchi Guarantee' marks AAP's ambitious attempt to make deep inroads into Maharashtra's political arena, starting with the crucial urban landscape of Mumbai. The party is appealing to Mumbaikars to vote for the 'greater good' and their 'enlightened self-interest', urging them to make a clean sweep with the party's broom symbol.
