As the February 5 Delhi Assembly elections approach, Prime Minister Narendra Modi engaged with students on Monday, strongly critiquing the Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) government in Delhi for its education policies. He accused AAP of prioritizing its public image over the welfare of students.

Modi targeted AAP for allegedly preventing ‘weaker’ Class 9 students from advancing to the next grade to preserve the government’s reputation. He claimed that only students achieving good marks were allowed to progress, suggesting that AAP was more interested in appearances than in genuinely educating all students.

In a video interaction with students, PM Modi referred to the AAP government’s practice as ‘dishonest,’ stating that it was unfairly punishing struggling students by not promoting them to Class 10. He remarked, “I’ve heard that in Delhi, the AAP government does not allow children to advance past Class 9 unless they are likely to pass. They do this to avoid damaging their own reputation in case of poor results. This is truly dishonest.”

The Prime Minister criticized AAP’s much-touted education model, questioning if its leadership, including Arvind Kejriwal, was jeopardizing the future of students merely to portray a misleading narrative of world-class education.

The BJP, seeking to break its 27-year absence from power in Delhi, is targeting low-income and middle-class voters with ambitious plans, including promises of free education from kindergarten to postgraduate levels. Their election manifesto, Sankalp Patra, also includes financial assistance of Rs 15,000 for underprivileged students preparing for competitive exams like the Union Public Service Commission.

Furthermore, the BJP has promised to cover travel and application fees for students, highlighting it as “Modi ki guarantee.” To attract first-time and young voters, they have introduced the Dr. B.R. Ambedkar Stipend Scheme, offering Rs 1,000 a month for SC students in ITIs, skill centers, and polytechnics.

During a rally in RK Puram on Sunday, Modi emphasized the imminent “new spring of development” in Delhi, likening it to the seasonal change brought about by Basant Panchami. He asserted, “In a few days, Delhi will welcome a new era with a BJP government. The AAP party has squandered 11 years. My earnest plea is for us to be given a chance to serve the people of Delhi. I promise to address your challenges. A double-engine government will emerge that will enhance the lives of poor and middle-class families.”

Modi also pledged Rs 5 meals for slum residents and announced the establishment of a welfare board for auto drivers and domestic workers, ensuring that no existing welfare schemes would be cut. He stated, “We will initiate a welfare board for auto drivers and domestic helpers, offering them insurance coverage up to Rs 10 lakh. The BJP government will also support children’s education fees. I assure you that the AAP is spreading falsehoods — no slum in Delhi will be demolished, and our welfare programs will continue.”

The Delhi Assembly elections are set for February 5, with counting scheduled for February 8, and are expected to be a competitive three-way race between the BJP, Congress, and AAP.