In a recent development, Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) leader Atishi has criticized the newly formed Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) government in Delhi for not fulfilling its pre-election promise of providing Rs.2,500 monthly financial assistance to women. This criticism came shortly after Chief Minister Rekha Gupta chaired her inaugural cabinet meeting, during which the financial aid scheme was notably absent from the agenda.
Atishi’s Allegations
Atishi expressed her disappointment through a video on X (formerly Twitter), stating that the BJP had assured the women of Delhi that the Rs.2,500 assistance scheme would be approved in the first cabinet meeting. She emphasized that the omission of this scheme indicates the BJP’s intention to renege on its commitments. Atishi remarked, “The first day itself BJP started breaking their promises…they did not pass the scheme…BJP has made up their mind to cheat the people.”
BJP’s Pre-Election Promise
During the election campaign, the BJP had pledged to implement the Mahila Samriddhi Yojana, which promised Rs.2,500 monthly financial assistance to women. This initiative was a cornerstone of their manifesto, aiming to provide economic support to women in Delhi. BJP chief JP Nadda had announced that this scheme would be approved in the first cabinet meeting if the party came to power.
First Cabinet Meeting Decisions
In the first cabinet meeting led by Chief Minister Rekha Gupta, the government approved the implementation of the Ayushman Bharat health insurance scheme in Delhi. This scheme offers a total of Rs.10 lakh health coverage to each beneficiary, with both the Centre and Delhi government contributing Rs.5 lakh each. Additionally, the cabinet decided to table 14 Comptroller and Auditor General (CAG) reports on the performance of the previous administration in the upcoming session of the Delhi assembly.
Chief Minister’s Response
When questioned about the absence of the Rs.2,500 financial assistance scheme from the cabinet agenda, Chief Minister Rekha Gupta responded, “It’s our government; the agenda will be ours. Let us work. She doesn’t need to tell us everything; she has done what she has to while in power.”
Public Reaction and Future Implications
The omission of the promised financial assistance scheme has led to public outcry, especially among women who were anticipating this support. Political analysts suggest that the BJP’s credibility may be at stake if such promises remain unfulfilled. The AAP is expected to leverage this issue to question the BJP’s commitment to its electoral promises.
Conclusion
The BJP’s decision to exclude the Rs.2,500 monthly financial assistance scheme from its initial cabinet meeting has sparked criticism from opposition leaders and the public alike. As the new government begins its tenure, the fulfillment of pre-election promises will be closely monitored, and the administration’s actions in the coming days will be pivotal in shaping public perception and trust.
