The Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) intensified its protest on Tuesday, urging the BJP-led Delhi government to clarify the status of the promised Rs 2,500 monthly financial assistance for women, scheduled to roll out by International Women's Day on March 8.
Former Chief Minister and current Leader of Opposition Atishi spearheaded the demonstration outside the Mandi House metro station in New Delhi. She was accompanied by several AAP MLAs and party workers, demanding accountability and transparency regarding the BJP's poll promise.
Taking to social media platform X, Atishi criticized the BJP government, highlighting the uncertainty surrounding the implementation of the scheme. "Four more days are left. The women of Delhi are waiting—when will Rs 2,500 come? Modi had guaranteed that on March 8, the first installment would be credited to the accounts of all women in Delhi. Will this guarantee be fulfilled or will it once again prove to be just a slogan?" she wrote in Hindi.
Kuldeep Kumar Questions BJP on Women's Allowance
Echoing Atishi's concerns, AAP MLA Kuldeep Kumar from Kondli also called out the BJP government, specifically addressing newly appointed Chief Minister Rekha Gupta. Kumar asked her to clarify whether the promise made by Prime Minister Narendra Modi was genuine or another "jumla," referencing the infamous Rs 15 lakh election promise."PM Modi had said that on the occasion of International Women's Day on March 8, Rs 2,500 would be sent to the accounts of women. Now, CM Rekha Gupta should tell whether this guarantee is going to turn out to be a 'jumla' like the promise of Rs 15 lakh," Kumar posted on X.
BJP's Rs 2,500 Monthly Promise: Election-Winning Move
During the recent Delhi Assembly elections, the BJP had promised monthly financial assistance of Rs 2,500 to all women, surpassing the AAP’s offer of Rs 2,100. The move appeared politically rewarding as the BJP won a significant mandate, securing 48 of the 70 assembly seats. The AAP was reduced to just 22 seats, while Congress failed to secure any seats.With International Women's Day fast approaching, the AAP's protests have gained momentum, putting pressure on the BJP government to deliver on its election guarantee.
BJP Assures Fulfillment Amid Growing Criticism
In response to the escalating criticism, Chief Minister Rekha Gupta assured in the Delhi Assembly that her government would fulfill its promise. Gupta, however, criticized the AAP for raising questions, accusing the former administration of leaving Delhi's finances in disarray."AAP should not question us as to when we will provide Rs 2,500 to women. They left Delhi government's accounts in shackles. While we will definitely fulfil our promise, the AAP surely doesn’t deserve to question us on this," Gupta remarked.
As the March 8 deadline approaches, Delhi’s women and opposition leaders eagerly await clarity on the implementation timeline.
