As Delhi gears up for the upcoming assembly elections, a sharp shift in the political landscape is emerging, particularly among Dalit voters—once a steadfast pillar of the Aam Aadmi Party’s (AAP) electoral base. This critical demographic, long perceived as a reliable ally, is increasingly exhibiting signs of disillusionment due to unmet expectations and a growing sense that the immediate relief measures or “freebies” have overshadowed the need for sustainable, structural reforms.
While populist strategies, such as targeted subsidies and welfare schemes, have traditionally provided short-term relief, the inadequacies of these transient measures have become evident in the failure to address the deeper socio-economic challenges confronting Scheduled Caste (SC) communities in Delhi and beyond. Against this backdrop, the upcoming elections and the political commitment to Dalit welfare take centre stage in the debate—contrasting AAP’s performance with BJP’s emerging approach—which further fuels the discourse between transient populist incentives and long-term programmatic policies.
Disappointment among Dalit communities
The dissatisfaction among Dalit voters stems from unfulfilled promises and a perceived neglect of key community issues. Historically, prominent Dalit groups like the Ravidassia and Jatav communities backed AAP, but recent resignations by Dalit leaders from the party signal a broader loss of trust.
Sanitation workers, who form a substantial portion of the Dalit workforce, have expressed disappointment over the government’s inability to provide stable employment and improved working conditions. The promise of Rs 1 crore compensation for families of sanitation workers who lost their lives on duty remains largely unfulfilled, further deepening the sense of discontent. Additionally, the outsourcing of jobs that were previously reserved for Dalits has exacerbated economic insecurities within the community.
Beyond employment concerns, civic infrastructure remains a pressing issue. After a decade in power in Delhi and two years of controlling the Municipal Corporation of Delhi (MCD), AAP faces criticism over deteriorating infrastructure, unaddressed garbage disposal issues, and the failure to regularize ad hoc employees, particularly those from marginalized backgrounds.
Neglect of Dalit-dominated areas
In Dalit-majority areas, frustrations with governance are palpable. Residents of Nai Basti, a Dalit-dominated colony in South Delhi’s Deoli, have voiced their disappointment with the local AAP MLA, citing unfulfilled promises and a lack of developmental progress. Similarly, in Shahabad-Mohammedpur in West Delhi’s Bijwasan, the Scheduled Caste community faces acute water shortages during the summer months. The absence of a railway overbridge in the area has led to persistent traffic congestion and safety concerns, highlighting the broader neglect of infrastructure in Dalit-majority regions.
Broken promises in education and welfare
Educational initiatives aimed at Dalit upliftment have also suffered setbacks. In Punjab, for instance, the AAP government delayed the implementation of the Centre’s Post-Matric Scholarship Scheme for Scheduled Castes, creating barriers to educational access for SC students. Such delays have caused unnecessary hardships for beneficiaries, undermining the intended impact of these programs.
BJP’s outreach: Representation and welfare initiatives
In contrast, the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) has actively sought to engage with Dalit voters through targeted welfare measures and grassroots outreach programs. Recognizing the growing dissatisfaction with AAP, the BJP has focused on initiatives designed to restore trust and provide tangible benefits to the community.
A notable initiative includes the “B.R. Ambedkar Stipend Scheme,” which offers a monthly stipend of Rs 1,000 to SC students enrolled in Industrial Training Institutes (ITIs), skill centres, and polytechnic colleges. Additionally, the BJP has pledged free education from kindergarten to post-graduation for underprivileged students in government institutions. Other welfare measures include a dedicated board for taxi and auto drivers, affordable meal schemes for slum dwellers, and life insurance plans. Furthermore, the regularization of 4,400 sanitation workers under Home Minister Amit Shah’s leadership reflects the party’s responsiveness to Dalit concerns. With initiatives such as Matru Suraksha Vandana, Atal Canteens, and the PM National Dialysis Programme, the BJP aims to enhance healthcare, nutrition, and financial relief for marginalized communities.
Beyond welfare policies, the BJP has strategically fielded Dalit candidates in general constituencies, moving beyond traditional caste-based electoral calculations. This approach aligns with Pitkin’s theory of representation, which emphasizes both descriptive (representation by identity) and substantive (representation of interests) aspects. The party’s decision to field Dalit candidates, notably Deepti Indora from Matia Mahal and Kamal Bagri from Ballimaran—both Muslim-majority constituencies—demonstrates an evolving electoral strategy centred on performance and popularity rather than rigid caste alignments.
Shifting sentiments confirmed by surveys
A recent survey conducted by the National Confederation of Dalit and Adivasi Organisations (NACDAOR) and The Convergent Media underscores AAP’s declining appeal among Dalit voters. According to the findings, 44% of Dalit respondents intend to vote for AAP, marking a decline from 53% in the 2020 elections. The survey highlights growing concerns over employment, sanitation, and education, reinforcing the broader sentiment of discontent within the community.
After a decade in power, AAP faces mounting criticism over its governance approach, particularly in Dalit-majority areas such as Valmiki colonies, where residents have accused the party of playing vote-bank politics. The exclusion of priests from Valmiki and Ravidas temples from an honorarium scheme has only fueled these frustrations. A common refrain among residents is that Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal has not visited their communities in years, further amplifying perceptions of neglect.
Freebies vs. Programmatic Politics
AAP’s governance model has heavily relied on welfare measures such as free bus rides for women, subsidized electricity, and free water supply. While these initiatives provide short-term relief, critics argue that they fail to address deeper structural issues. For instance, while free bus rides reduce transportation costs for daily commuters, they do not resolve the underlying challenges of overcrowding or inadequate maintenance of public transport systems.
Many voters now question whether these policies serve as genuine developmental strategies or merely as short-term vote-catching tools. A disillusioned former supporter articulated this frustration: “You can’t keep enticing people by giving free stuff. We need jobs, not just free electricity.”The failure to effectively balance populist measures with long-term developmental policies has exacerbated dissatisfaction, particularly in Dalit-majority areas where infrastructure and economic opportunities remain stagnant.
The road ahead
As Delhi approaches the upcoming elections, Dalit voters stand at a crucial crossroads. Their growing discontent with AAP’s governance model presents an opportunity for opposition parties to offer alternative solutions that address long-standing grievances. The BJP’s outreach efforts and welfare initiatives may resonate with sections of the Dalit electorate, potentially altering electoral dynamics in key constituencies.
The election will not only shape the political trajectory of Delhi but also serve as a broader indicator of how political parties engage with marginalized communities. For Dalit voters, the choice ahead involves evaluating past governance records against promises for the future, determining which party is best positioned to address their needs and aspirations.
