AAP leader Jasmine Shah’s narration of the city’s transformation―The Delhi Model: A Bold New Road Map to Building a Developed India―over the past decade offers a compelling description of how Delhi has evolved since the AAP came to power in the state with a thumping majority in 2015. It resonates with a sense of déjà vu for Delhiites, and provides valuable insights for those unfamiliar with the region.
Released ahead of the elections in Delhi, due in 2025, the book delves into the much talked about Delhi model, stressing on its transformative impact on education, air-pollution, transportation, electricity, water, and health care. Shah says the AAP’s rise to power in 2015 marked a significant turning point, ushering in growth and visible changes that he feels cannot be ignored.
As the vice chairperson of the Dialogue and Development Commission of the Delhi government, Shah has played a pivotal role in shaping many reforms in the Delhi model.
The well-researched book provides a comprehensive analysis of reforms undertaken by the AAP government. Shah enriches his narrative with data, infographics, and quotes from beneficiaries. For instance, he contrasts national spending under the Ayushman Bharat scheme―Rs6,800 crore in 2023-24―with Delhi’s health sector allocation of nearly Rs9,000 crore during the same period. While addressing criticism of AAP’s welfare-oriented governance, Shah emphasises that subsidies account for only 7 per cent of Delhi’s annual budget, with the majority set aside for the all-round development of Delhi. This, he argues, brings out the government’s responsibility to fiscal prudence.
Literally, in every page, Shah asserts that the Delhi model has continued to deliver palpable benefits to millions of residents. Towards the end, the AAP leader also explores the hostile relationship between the state and the Centre.
Critics may carp that the book places the AAP on a pedestal ahead of the elections, but Shah deserves credit for providing a well-informed account of how the AAP leaders in Delhi have navigated difficulties to drive progress. Whether you agree with Shah or not is a different matter. The fact is, his narrative succeeds, to a large extent, in portraying the Delhi model as a potential template for other states.
Shah credits his wife, actor Padmapriya Janakiraman, for helping him shape the book. They met and fell in love while they were pursuing master’s in public administration at the Columbia University in the US. “She latched on to the idea of the book the moment it was conceived and made sure I never let go of it,” Shah says.
With its sharp analysis and promising tone, the book succeeds in placing the AAP as a beacon of hope. While highlighting the AAP’s achievements in the last decade, it definitely sets the stage for what could be its third term in Delhi.
THE DELHI MODEL: A BOLD NEW ROAD MAP TO BUILDING A DEVELOPED INDIA
By Jasmine Shah
Published by Penguin Random House India
Price Rs799; pages: 334