As the Delhi Assembly elections approach, the BJP and Congress are placing the issue of pollution at the forefront of their campaigns, while also highlighting concerns like corruption, water shortages, and poor infrastructure. Both opposition parties aim to use these issues to challenge the ruling AAP in the upcoming polls, which are slated to be held in February, 2025.

The BJP and Congress have been constantly criticizing AAP for the deteriorating air quality in Delhi and the toxic froth seen in the Yamuna River. With AAP having held power in the Capital since 2015, both parties are eager to turn the tide.

The Congress, which failed to secure any seats in the last two elections despite a strong history in the city, is looking to regain its footing.

Meanwhile, the BJP hopes to break its 26-year streak without power in the national Capital.

The BJP’s central leadership on Tuesday met with its Delhi unit to review election preparations and fine-tune its campaign strategy. Alongside relying on Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s appeal, the party plans to make pollution one of its key issues. According to a party source, as campaigning ramps up in the winter months, worsening air quality will play a significant role in their attack on AAP.

Congress, under the leadership of Delhi unit chief Devender Yadav, is set to launch an aggressive campaign called the “Delhi Nyay Yatra” on November 8.

The campaign is modeled after Rahul Gandhi’s “Bharat Jodo Yatra”.The yatra will kick off at Rajghat and is seen as an effort to reconnect with the people of Delhi. It is expected that senior Congress leader and Raebareli MP Rahul Gandhi will join the yatra in its first phase that will start from Rajghat. Apart from Rahul, Priyanka Gandhi, who is eyeing on the Wayanad seat which was left vacant, is also expected to join the yatra. Additionally, senior leaders from different states of the party will also make an appearance in the campaign which is expected to rekindle the disconnection between the citizens of Delhi and the party leadership.

 “The Bharat Jodo Yatra did prove to be a game changer for Rahul Gandhi and we are hoping that it has the same impact in Delhi. It is expected that Rahul Gandhi and Priyanka Gandhi will also join the yatra.

However, the exact date is not decided yet. Also different leaders from across India will also likely make an appearance in the constituencies that are best suited according to the demographic,” a senior party leader said.

The Congress has also initiated a public consultation process for its manifesto, seeking suggestions from citizens.

For Congress, pollution is a significant election issue. The party is reminding voters of Sheila Dikshit’s 15-year tenure, during which Delhi saw improvements in public transportation, the metro system, and pollution control, as well as the transformation of government schools. Congress leaders argue that under AAP’s governance, Delhi has deteriorated, with unfulfilled promises and rampant corruption damaging the city’s progress.