‘Anti-Romeo’ Squads In Delhi? BJP's Election Strategy Mirrors Yogi’s UP Model

Ahead of the 2025 Delhi Assembly elections, the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) has pledged to establish 'Anti-Romeo' squads across the city if it wins the elections. These squads will be deployed to combat sexual harassment in public spaces. The promise is part of the BJP's manifesto, titled Viksit Delhi Sankalp Patra, available on the party's official website.

The manifesto outlines the BJP's commitment to collaborate with the central government to set up these squads across Delhi. The concept of 'Anti-Romeo' squads was first introduced by the Uttar Pradesh government under Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath in 2017 as a measure to ensure the safety of women in public spaces.

What Are 'Anti-Romeo' Squads?

The 'Anti-Romeo' squads were originally launched in Uttar Pradesh as a response to growing concerns about the safety of women in public spaces. The initiative was part of the BJP's key promises during the 2017 Uttar Pradesh Assembly elections. The squads, which consist of a police sub-inspector and at least two constables (including a female officer), patrol places such as universities, colleges, parks, and cinema halls, which are considered vulnerable to harassment.

While the squads faced criticism for their vigilante approach, they became more active in the second term of Adityanath's government. The squads were temporarily defunct but were reinstated in August 2024 under Adityanath's instructions.

BJP's Comprehensive Election Manifesto

The BJP's 2025 Delhi manifesto, which has been released in three parts, includes several key promises. In addition to 'Anti-Romeo' squads, the BJP vows to enhance existing AAP government schemes, set up CCTV networks across the city for better security, and establish the first women's police battalion in Delhi-named the Jhalkari Bai Battalion-through collaboration with the Union government.

The party also proposes providing ₹2,500 monthly to women under the Mahila Samridhi Scheme, a ₹500 subsidy on LPG cylinders, and a ₹21,000 financial assistance to pregnant women. Additionally, it promises free education from KG to PG for needy students and ₹15,000 in financial assistance for those preparing for civil services exams.

BJP's Road to Power in Delhi

The BJP has not been in power in Delhi for 27 years, with the Aam Aadmi Party (AAP), led by Arvind Kejriwal, having won the last two assembly elections in 2015 and 2020. The Congress Party governed Delhi from 1998 to 2013. In the previous two elections, the BJP was left with single-digit seats.

If the BJP wins the upcoming Delhi elections, it aims to establish a welfare board for gig workers and provide ₹10 lakh life insurance and ₹5 lakh accidental insurance to them. The party has also pledged to clean up the Yamuna River and develop a riverfront similar to Gujarat's Narmada Riverfront.

The Delhi Assembly elections are scheduled for February 5, 2025, with the results to be announced on February 8, 2025.