AAP National Convenor Arvind Kejriwal launched the second phase of his padyatra, on Sunday. Rallying thousands of supporters in Rajouri Garden he sent out a clear message: the upcoming elections are a decisive choice between preserving Delhi’s hard-earned progress or allowing it to revert to an era of powercuts, inflated bills and broken infrastructure. Amid chants and cheers, Arvind Kejriwal pledged to waive inflated water bills and continue Delhi’s transformation journey with his government, firmly rooted in a vision of transparency and inclusivity.
The padyatra saw overwhelming support from local residents, who poured out of their homes and shops to greet Arvind Kejriwal along the route. The enthusiasm was palpable, with the crowd’s warmth and energy signaling a strong resolve to re-elect Arvind Kejriwal to continue the progress they’ve seen over the past decade. As he moved through the streets, greeted with cheers, patkas, and countless selfies, it was clear that Delhi’s residents were ready to once again entrust him with their hopes for a brighter, more developed future.
Addressing the crowds, Arvind Kejriwal called on citizens to view the upcoming election as a choice between safeguarding the significant progress Delhi has made in the past decade and reverting to outdated systems of governance. “This election is not just about re-electing the Aam Aadmi Party. It’s about saving Delhi,” he told the locals, emphasizing that his administration’s achievements have set a standard that other states are struggling to match.
Reflecting on the city’s transformation, Arvind Kejriwal recounted how, when the Aam Aadmi Party took charge, Delhi faced prolonged power cuts that often lasted 8-10 hours. “I am sure you have forgotten the days when entire nights would pass without electricity,” he said. He referenced the summer of 2014, when peak demand was 5,000 MW, leading to consistent outages across the city. Now, even with demand peaking at 8,500 MW this past summer, Arvind Kejriwal assured residents, “Not a single power cut occurred in Delhi, which now enjoys 24-hour electricity.”
Arvind Kejriwal also highlighted his administration’s achievements in bringing down electricity costs for Delhi residents. “In 2013, electricity bills used to be as high as ₹8,000 or ₹10,000,” he shared, noting that today, many Delhi households pay either zero or minimal charges, such as ₹500 or ₹700 per month. He urged residents to contrast Delhi’s utility costs with those in neighboring states ruled by BJP. “Ask people in Uttar Pradesh, Haryana, Gujarat, or Rajasthan—wherever they are in power—about their electricity bills. Our opponents don’t want to make electricity affordable elsewhere; instead, they want to halt our progress in Delhi.”
He shared that Delhi’s success story has spread nationwide, with other states observing Delhi’s model of efficient governance and citizen-friendly policies. “People in Punjab gave us a strong mandate, with 92 out of 117 seats. In Gujarat, five AAP MLAs won; in Goa, two MLAs were elected, one in Jammu & Kashmir” he said, emphasizing the growing reach of Delhi’s story across the country.
Addressing recent concerns over high water bills in Delhi, Arvind Kejriwal promised immediate relief when AAP is re-elected. “Incorrect water bills have come in for some, but once we come back to power, I will waive all these bills within a month,” he pledged. Reflecting on his previous terms, he reminded citizens that he had similarly waived old water bills in 2014, fulfilling his promise of making utilities affordable for all. “I went street to street back then, and when people showed me their water and electricity bills, I assured them that, if elected, I would waive the old bills and make future charges zero. Did we do it or not?” he asked, to cheers from the crowd.
Arvind Kejriwal also detailed the ongoing infrastructure improvements across Delhi, emphasizing that he had personally ensured all halted projects resumed as soon as he left jail. “They stopped all ongoing work behind my back using the LG. But now, wherever roads were broken, repair work has begun. Wherever sewers were overflowing, work is now underway,” he said, adding that he is personally monitoring all issues in neighborhoods across the city, aiming to provide clean water and proper sanitation.
He pointed out that his administration has brought visible changes to Delhi’s urban landscape and public services, thanks to efforts made with “great honesty and dedication.”
Framing the election as a pivotal moment to protect Delhi’s advances, Arvind Kejriwal said, “Our opponents don’t want to serve the people; they just want control over Delhi. They want to turn Delhi into another UP, Haryana, Gujarat, or Madhya Pradesh,” he warned. He asked voters to consider the progress they had achieved together over the past decade, cautioning against leaders looking to roll back these improvements.
Arvind Kejriwal concluded by asking Delhiites to “secure the city’s future” by voting for a government committed to inclusivity and progress.
