Delhi CM Gupta vows ₹2,500 monthly aid for women amid AAP criticism

In a recent press briefing, Delhi's new Chief Minister, Rekha Gupta, emphasized that despite inheriting an allegedly depleted public exchequer from the former Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) administration, her government remains committed to launching the ₹2,500 monthly financial support scheme for women, as promised by the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP).

This initiative, known as the 'Mahila Samriddhi Yojana', was a key feature of the BJP's election manifesto and targets women from economically disadvantaged backgrounds.

It also includes a one-time payment of ₹21,000 for pregnant women. Gupta stated that the government would pursue this program diligently, detailing plans for its implementation.

Gupta also noted upcoming legislative activities, including the swearing-in of all Members of the Legislative Assembly (MLAs) and the election of the Speaker and Deputy Speaker.

Meanwhile, pro tem speakers are set to be sworn in by the lieutenant governor.

Addressing the delay in the scheme's roll-out, former Chief Minister Atishi of the AAP expressed concerns.

In a written appeal to Gupta, she requested a meeting with the AAP legislative delegation to discuss the progress of the initiative, spotlighting the delay in approval from the first cabinet meeting, which took place on February 20.

Atishi contended that the delay undermines confidence in Prime Minister Narendra Modi's promises made during the election campaign.

Gesturing towards alleged discrepancies in BJP's fulfillment of campaign promises, she criticized Gupta for what she termed as the exposure of Modi's "false claims."

Pointing to prior assurances by Prime Minister Modi, including statements from BJP President JP Nadda about scheme approval timelines, Atishi questioned the authenticity of these commitments. She referred to Modi's assurance that the financial support would be disbursed by March 8 and challenged Gupta to uphold this commitment, thereby avoiding further disillusionment among Delhi's women.

The political dynamics surrounding the scheme continue to unfold as stakeholders await concrete steps from the new administration.