Delhi Assembly Elections: Will freebies by AAP help it retain power?

Aam Aadmi Party which had scored a landslide victory by winning a majority of 67 of the 70 seats in 2015 left no stones unturned to woo the voters. The days leading up to elections, the AAP doled out a number of freebies in order to garner votes.

New Delhi: After a hectic and high-octane election campaign for more than a week, the capital went to polls on February 8.

Aam Aadmi Party which had scored a landslide victory by winning a majority of 67 of the 70 seats in 2015 left no stones unturned to woo the voters.

Delhi Chief Minister and Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) chief Arvind Kejriwal has defended his government’s decision to dole out freebies to the people of the state ahead of Assembly elections.

In one of his tweets, he had said, “Freebies, in limited dose, are good for the economy. It makes more money available to the poor, hence boosts demand. However, it should be done in such limits so that no extra taxes have to be imposed and it does not lead to budget deficits ".

The freebies range from free electricity, free water and free WiFi to free bus rides for women

Freebies given by the AAP

Freebies by AAP

• Free electricity for people consuming up to 200 units a month
• The half rate for units between 201 to 400
• Free WiFi access for all
• Free pilgrimage for senior citizens
• Waiver of development charges for new water and sewer connections

The Arvind Kejriwal-led AAP government has proposed to make bus and metro rides free for women, apart from slashing power and water bills for all Delhiites.

However, the Aam Aadmi Party has been criticised by Opposition parties for announcing a number of subsidies and freebies in the upcoming elections.

Only February 11 will hold the answer if these freebies have really helped Aam Aadmi party or not.