Arvind Kejriwal, the national president of the Aam Aadmi Party (AAP), has accused the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) of attempting to obstruct key welfare initiatives in Delhi, specifically the Mahila Samman Yojana and the Sanjeevani Yojana. During a press conference held on Wednesday alongside Delhi Chief Minister Atishi, Kejriwal expressed his commitment to implementing these schemes if re-elected in the upcoming assembly elections.
The Mahila Samman Yojana is designed to provide women with a monthly allowance of Rs 1,000, which Kejriwal has pledged to increase to Rs 2,100 upon AAP's victory. The Sanjeevani Yojana aims to offer free medical treatment for senior citizens aged 60 and above in both public and private hospitals.
Kejriwal's allegations come in response to recent public notices issued by the Delhi government's Women and Child Development and Health departments, which distanced themselves from these welfare schemes. This development has sparked a political controversy ahead of the elections scheduled for February.
"The BJP does not want the people of Delhi to benefit from these programs," Kejriwal claimed, noting that there has been a significant public response since the registration process began. He reported that approximately 12.5 lakh women have signed up for the Mahila Samman Yojana, while between 1.5 and 2 lakh senior citizens have registered for Sanjeevani.
In light of the controversy, both government departments warned citizens against sharing personal information with anyone claiming to register them for "non-existent" schemes, labeling such actions as fraudulent. CM Atishi announced that officials who disseminate false information under BJP pressure would face administrative and legal consequences.
Kejriwal emphasized that despite BJP's efforts to mislead the public, AAP remains committed to delivering on its promises. "The public trusts us because we have fulfilled our commitments," he asserted, vowing that every woman will receive Rs 2,100 and senior citizens will benefit from free medical treatment regardless of any obstacles posed by the BJP.
He further criticized the BJP for failing to meet its own election promises, contrasting AAP's achievements in providing free electricity, improved education, and enhanced water supply with the BJP's unfulfilled commitments. As political tensions rise in Delhi ahead of the elections, Kejriwal's statements reflect AAP's determination to secure voter support through its welfare initiatives.