New Delhi: As Delhi gears up for the 2025 Assembly elections, the Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) is betting on its welfare-driven governance model. From the Mahila Scheme to pension plans and auto driver subsidies, the party has rolled out an array of policies aimed at addressing financial hardships. While these initiatives have earned praise in certain circles, their inconsistent implementation and outreach gaps have sparked debate about whether they will secure AAP another term.
Promises on Paper: AAP’s Key Policies
Introduced in 2024, the Mahila Scheme aimed to empower women through financial assistance and skill-building programs. Beneficiaries have reported positive outcomes, with some women starting small businesses. However, awareness about the scheme remains low.
Poonam, a domestic worker in Saket, lamented, “I’ve heard about the scheme, but no one told me how to apply. It could have been a big help, but I’m left out.” Similar stories abound in informal settlements, where women remain disconnected from the benefits.
While Sangeeta, another resident of Kalkaji area stated, “I will forever be grateful to Arvind Kejriwal and AAP for this scheme. It allows me to fulfil more responsibilities related to my home which was very difficult before.”
AAP’s pension scheme, offering ₹2,000-₹3,000 monthly to senior citizens, widows, and differently-abled individuals, has also seen mixed results. Rajiv Malhotra, a 70-year-old from West Delhi, shared, “Arvind Kejriwal is my son. Because of him
I could go on Teerth. The pension is also very helpful, but many people I know couldn’t access it due to document issues.”
Meanwhile, the auto driver subsidy, launched in 2025, aimed to counter rising fuel costs and provide healthcare benefits. While some drivers have reaped the benefits, many have been excluded due to poor communication and missed deadlines.
Ramesh Kumar, an auto driver in Laxmi Nagar, said, “I didn’t even know about the scheme until it was too late. The government should communicate better.”
The Ground Reality: Challenges in Implementation
While AAP’s welfare schemes have undeniably benefitted some, the broader picture reveals significant gaps. Awareness campaigns have been insufficient, leaving many potential beneficiaries in the dark. Complex application procedures and bureaucratic delays have further hindered access.
Social activist Neha Sharma criticised the execution, saying, “These schemes look promising on paper but fail to reach the most vulnerable. Without better outreach and simpler processes, their impact will remain limited.” The schemes’ uneven implementation has also provided fodder for opposition parties. The BJP has accused AAP of focusing more on publicity than actual delivery, while Congress has been positioning itself as a more inclusive alternative.
Election Impact: A Double-Edged Sword
AAP’s welfare initiatives could be both a boon and a bane in the 2025 elections. On the one hand, beneficiaries of the Mahila Scheme, pension plans, and auto driver subsidies are likely to support the party. On the other hand, those left out might feel alienated.
Some political analysts, noted, “While AAP’s policies may secure votes from direct beneficiaries, the discontent among those excluded could weaken its standing. Additionally, BJP’s focus on national schemes like Ayushman Bharat and Congress’s attempts to rebuild grassroots connections could chip away at AAP’s voter base.”
A Critical Juncture for Aam Aadmi Party
As election campaigns intensify, AAP’s welfare policies will undoubtedly be a focal point. While these schemes highlight the party’s commitment to governance, their shortcomings pose a significant challenge.
Whether the policies will cement AAP’s hold on Delhi or lead to voter dissatisfaction remains to be seen.
With the BJP and Congress ramping up their campaigns, the 2025 elections are shaping up to be a fiercely contested battle. The
verdict will reveal whether AAP’s promises of welfare have truly reached Delhi’s streets, or if the gaps in execution will cost them dearly.