Arvind Kejriwal’s Big Poll Promise: Free Bus Rides for Students in Delhi

Aakhir Tak – In Shorts:

1. Arvind Kejriwal, AAP convener, promises free bus rides for students in Delhi.
2. Kejriwal aims to make transportation more accessible for students if AAP wins.
3. He requested a 50% concession on Delhi metro fares for students in a letter to PM Modi.
4. This promise builds on AAP’s previous scheme offering free bus rides for women in Delhi.
5. Delhi Assembly elections will be held on February 5, with AAP seeking its third consecutive term.

Aakhir Tak – In Depth:

Arvind Kejriwal’s Bold Promise:
Ahead of the Delhi Assembly elections, Arvind Kejriwal, the convener of the Aam Aadmi Party (AAP), made a major promise to Delhi’s students: free bus rides. This announcement is part of AAP’s election campaign and targets students’ transportation challenges in the city. Kejriwal stated that if AAP wins, all students in Delhi will have access to free bus services. This promise builds upon their earlier initiative, providing free bus rides for women. Kejriwal’s goal is to make public transport more affordable and accessible for all students in the capital.

Kejriwal’s Letter to PM Modi and Metro Fare Concession:
In addition to free bus rides, Kejriwal also wrote a letter to Prime Minister Narendra Modi requesting a 50% fare reduction for students using Delhi Metro. Kejriwal highlighted that a large number of students rely on the metro, which has become increasingly expensive. The Delhi government and the central government jointly manage the metro services, and Kejriwal has proposed that both should equally bear the cost of providing the student fare discount. He expressed hope that the central government will agree to this student welfare initiative.

Delhi Assembly Elections: A Triangular Contest:
The Delhi Assembly elections, scheduled for February 5, 2025, are set to witness a triangular contest between AAP, BJP, and Congress. AAP has already named candidates for all 70 constituencies, while BJP has declared candidates for 59 seats. The Congress party is also gearing up for a strong challenge. AAP, having won the last two elections by a significant margin, is confident of securing a third consecutive term. These student-focused promises are seen as an attempt to solidify AAP’s support base in Delhi.

A New Phase in Delhi’s Public Transport:
With the free bus service initiative, AAP seeks to address the growing concerns of Delhi’s students regarding high transport costs. Free access to buses would significantly ease students’ daily commute. Kejriwal’s push for discounts on metro fares also aims to ease financial burdens on students. These reforms highlight AAP’s commitment to affordable public transportation, enhancing its image as a party for the common man.

Aakhir Tak – Key Takeaways to Remember:

1. Kejriwal promises free bus rides for students in Delhi if AAP wins the elections.
2. He also requested a 50% discount for students on Delhi Metro fares in a letter to PM Modi.
3. Delhi Assembly elections will take place on February 5, 2025.
4. AAP is seeking its third consecutive term, while BJP and Congress are preparing to challenge.
5. The free bus service plan aligns with AAP’s previous initiatives to support women and students.

Aakhir Tak Editor-in-Chief

See Full Bio