Delhi: A World Class Smart City or an Inclusive and Equitable Capital?

Abstract

Delhi, a city of historic significance has created one more record in the recent elections when it witnessed a landslide and a decisive mandate in an electoral democracy where a newly emerged party won the elections by the sweeping margins against the stalwarts who are in the field for decades. Delhi observed a radical shift in national politics where the electorate moved beyond the caste or class based divide or community specific grouping probably because this election is about the rising hope, realizing dreams and increasing aspirations of people who want change – a change that can bring in real progress and development that is beneficial to all rather than benefiting a few. This election mirrors the inherent social contradictions in the existing society and political transformation in the new age that unleashes the power of democracy. The poll results are reflective of the assertion of masses to transform the society. The verdict also raised the pertinent question about developing the India’s capital as a world class smart city or an inclusive and equitable metropolis. In this essay, the author attempts to find solutions to this query as a resident and a native of the city from the gender perspective.

Keywords: Delhi, India, Elections, Gender, City, Space, Urban planning, city planning, smart city, equitable city, inclusive cities