The Impressive TimesNew Delhi: Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) leader Atishi on Thursday criticized the newly-formed Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP)-led government in Delhi, accusing it of reneging on its pre-poll promise of providing ₹2,500 monthly financial assistance to women. Atishi’s remarks came shortly after Chief Minister Rekha Gupta chaired her first cabinet meeting, during which two agenda items were approved, but the much-anticipated financial aid proposal was notably absent.
Addressing the media, Atishi stated, “The BJP had assured the women of Delhi that if voted to power, it would provide ₹2,500 per month as financial assistance. However, in the very first cabinet meeting, this promise has been sidelined. This is a clear case of betraying the trust of Delhi’s women.” She further accused the BJP of misleading voters with hollow promises during its election campaign.
The financial assistance scheme was a key component of the BJP’s election manifesto, aimed at providing economic support to women above the age of 18, irrespective of their income status. The initiative was projected to benefit lakhs of women across the national capital, empowering them financially and improving their quality of life.
During the cabinet meeting, Chief Minister Rekha Gupta and her team cleared two proposals: one related to infrastructure development in the city and another focusing on healthcare services. However, the absence of any discussion regarding the women’s financial aid scheme has sparked criticism from the opposition, particularly the AAP.
Atishi questioned the government’s priorities, saying, “Instead of addressing the needs of women who form the backbone of society, the BJP is focusing on other matters. If they cannot fulfill their promises within the first few days of taking office, how can the people trust them for the next five years?”
The BJP, however, defended its position, stating that the government is committed to fulfilling all its pre-poll promises and that the financial assistance scheme is under consideration. A BJP spokesperson clarified, “This was just the first cabinet meeting. The government has a roadmap, and all welfare schemes, including the financial assistance to women, will be rolled out in due course.”
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