Delhi polls: Congress’ anti-inflation ration kit of Rs 500 LPG cylinder, groceries

In a bid to counter rising inflation and appeal to the financially constrained masses, the Congress party has unveiled a set of five welfare promises ahead of the Delhi assembly elections scheduled for 5 February.

Addressing a press conference on Thursday, 16 January, Telangana chief minister Revanth Reddy — accompanied by AICC Delhi in-charge Qazi Nizamuddin and Delhi Congress chief Devender Yadav — announced the key measures the party plans to implement if voted to power.

Among the highlights are subsidised LPG cylinders at Rs 500 as part of its Mehangai Mukti Yojana — which also includes free ration kits of 6 kg dal, 5 kg rice, 2 kg sugar, 1 litre oil and 250g tea leaves — and a Free Electricity Yojana for up to 300 units for the city’s residents.

The party also pledged financial relief for unemployed youth with its Yuva Udaan Yojana, promising a monthly allowance of Rs 8,500 to educated but unemployed individuals for a year.

“This is not a mere election promise; these are guarantees. The Congress is committed to alleviating the struggles of the common people,” Reddy declared.

He added that the party is prepared to deliver on its promises if given the mandate.

Criticising both the BJP and the AAP — which are both responsible for the administration of the national capital at the central and state levels — he added, “There is no difference between Modi and Kejriwal because both of them only lie. The people of Delhi gave many opportunities to Modi and Kejriwal but they did not do any work.”

The Congress also sought to remind Delhiites that a very different picture of Delhi’s development was seen in the 15 years that the Congress government led by Sheila Dikshit was in power in the national territory.

The announcement follows Congress' earlier promises under its flagship initiatives, including:

• Pyari Didi Yojana (6 January): A monthly monetary grant of Rs 2,500 to women.

• Jeevan Raksha Yojana (8 January): Free health insurance coverage of up to Rs 25 lakh for Delhi residents.

The Congress has framed these proposals as part of its ‘five guarantees’ aimed at addressing unemployment, rising living costs and the financial strain faced by middle- and lower-income families.

The Congress’ aggressive welfare push comes as it aims to regain relevance in Delhi's political landscape, dominated by the AAP and the BJP.

Analysts believe these populist measures are designed to appeal to a broad spectrum of voters, from unemployed youth to women and economically disadvantaged households.

With polling for Delhi’s 70-member assembly just weeks away, these promises could shift the dynamics of the election campaign, according to political observers.

The results, to be declared on 8 February, will reveal whether the Congress' strategy resonates with voters — or whether it will yet again be overshadowed by the AAP’s governance record and the Hindutva politics supported by the BJP–RSS organisational juggernaut.