New Delhi [India], January 13 : Congress MP Jairam Ramesh on Monday emphasized that for a prosperous Delhi, Congress is necessary, citing the "Jeevan Raksha Yojana", a scheme announced by the party for the upcoming Delhi Assembly Polls, scheduled on February 5.
In a post on X, Jairam said, "Milegi Swasth Suraksha, hogi har zaroorat puri, khush-haal Delhi ke liye Congress hai zaroori (Will get health protection, every need will be fulfilled. For a prosperous Delhi, Congress is necessary)."
Congress on January 8, announced 'Jeevan Raksha Yojana', promising to provide Rs 25 lakh health cover per family.
The announcement was made at a press conference by former Rajasthan Chief Minister Ashok Gehlot here. Gehlot termed the scheme a "game changer" in Delhi.
"We have given a lot of coverage to the health... 'Jeevan Raksha Yojana' of the Delhi government will be similar to 'Chiranjeevi Yojana' of the Rajasthan government...I am happy that I got the opportunity to launch this scheme here," the senior congress leader told reporters later."
"The health insurance scheme of Rajasthan has been very successful and in Delhi we will do the same. It provides benefit to all whereas Ayushman Bharat has its limitations...," he added.
He also expressed optimism about the state polls, "...The situation in Delhi has changed now. Congress is doing a better campaign and this time, the results will be different."
However, the announcement ignited criticism from the BJP.
Chhattisgarh Chief Minister Vishnu Deo Sai said that the Congress has lost the trust of the people and they will not get any benefit in the polls.
Speaking to the media, CM Sai said, "Whatever the Congress may say this time, they have lost the trust of the people. They will not get any benefit in the Delhi elections."
Union Minister Harsh Malhotra criticized the Congress for proposing the 'Jeevan Raksha Yojana' in Delhi, asking why the scheme was not announced in states governed by the party.
The Delhi assembly polls will be held in a single phase on February 5 and the counting of votes will take place on February 8.
The Congress, which was in power for 15 consecutive years in Delhi, has suffered setbacks in the last two assembly elections and has failed to win any seat. In contrast, the AAP dominated the 2020 assembly elections by winning 62 out of 70 seats while the BJP got only eight seats.