Manoj Tiwari slams AAP’s free Metro ride announcement, says Kejriwal trying to deceive people

Hours after Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal announced free travel for women in Delhi Metro, DTC buses and cluster buses, state BJP president Manoj Tiwari addressed a press conference and launched a scathing attack on Kejriwal.

Tiwari termed Kejriwal’s announcement a poll gimmick and an attempt in futile to buy votes in the upcoming assembly elections which is scheduled to be held in national capital next year. He further added that BJP is not opposing Kejriwal’s idea but he is only trying to deceive the people of Delhi.

The state BJP present also questioned that how can the proposal be implemented in 5-6 months if it wasn’t started in 52 months of time. “Kejriwal had promised to deploy Marshals for the safety of women and panic buttons in buses in his poll manifesto, but it seems he himself is now panicking and has failed to understand what new tactic needs to be devised to mislead people of Delhi again,” he added.

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Earlier today, Kejriwal said, "On all DTC buses, cluster buses and metro trains women will be allowed to travel free of cost so that they have a safe travel experience and can access modes of transport which they were not able to, due to high prices."

He had also stated that the subsidy given to female passengers would not be imposed on anyone but encouraged to buy tickets to women, who can afford it.

“The move, which will come into effect once cleared by requisite authorities, will cost the Delhi government Rs 700 crore this year,” the Delhi CM said, adding that officials have been given a week's time to prepare a detailed proposal on the scheme's implementation.

"I've given one-week time to officials to make a detailed proposal - for both DTC & metro - on how & when can this be implemented. We're making an effort to start this within 2-3 months. We're also seeking suggestions from people, regarding implementation," he added.

It is to be noted that the move from the Aam Aadmi Party government comes days after it failed to win a single seat in the Lok Sabha elections in Delhi. It is worth mentioning here that Delhi’s Assembly elections will be held in February 2020.