New Delhi(India), November 29: In a heated political debate, BJP MP Kamaljeet Sehrawat has criticized the AAP-led Delhi government for its refusal to implement the Ayushman Bharat health insurance scheme in the national capital. Calling the decision a “betrayal to the people,” Sehrawat alleged that the move has deprived countless Delhi residents of essential healthcare benefits.
Sehrawat’s comments come amidst escalating tensions between the BJP and AAP over the scheme. Delhi’s Lieutenant Governor, VK Saxena, also weighed in, accusing the AAP government of blocking the program for political reasons. Saxena claimed that the delay reflects a fear of exposing the limitations of Delhi’s healthcare model, which AAP widely promotes as a success story.
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The Ayushman Bharat scheme, a flagship initiative of the central government, offers financial coverage of up to ₹5 lakh annually for economically weaker sections. However, the AAP government has resisted its implementation, arguing that Delhi already provides free healthcare services to its residents, including surgeries and treatments, regardless of income status. Delhi CM Arvind Kejriwal recently defended this stance, citing alleged scams reported in the scheme by the Comptroller and Auditor General (CAG). He stated that the scheme was unnecessary in Delhi, where robust public healthcare is already available.
The BJP, however, remains critical of AAP’s stance, claiming it denies residents the additional benefits of a nationally recognized health program. A writ petition has been filed in the Delhi High Court by BJP MPs to push for the scheme’s implementation. Delhi BJP chief Virendra Sachdeva called this refusal a reversal of earlier promises made by AAP.
While the debate intensifies, BJP leaders emphasize that Ayushman Bharat could provide critical financial relief for Delhi residents seeking healthcare in private hospitals. On the other hand, AAP continues to champion its healthcare initiatives as superior and inclusive.
The row over Ayushman Bharat not only underscores the clash of governance models but also highlights healthcare’s central role in political discourse.
Web Team C6N
