Here is a detailed summary of the news regarding the political developments in Delhi, focusing on two major schemes by the Aam Aadmi Party (AAP), the “Mahila Samman Yojana” and the “Sanjeevani Yojana,” and the political controversy surrounding them:
1. Mahila Samman Yojana
The Mahila Samman Yojana is a scheme under which the Delhi government planned to provide ₹1,000 per month to women above the age of 18. This was announced as part of the 2024-25 Budget. The aim of the scheme is to support 40 lakh women in Delhi.
Arvind Kejriwal, the Chief Minister of Delhi, later announced that the amount would be increased to ₹2,100 if the AAP returned to power in the upcoming 2024 Delhi Legislative Assembly elections. This announcement is seen as an attempt to galvanize support ahead of the elections.
2. Sanjeevani Yojana
The Sanjeevani Yojana is a healthcare initiative that aims to provide comprehensive health coverage to residents of Delhi aged 60 and above. This scheme is expected to benefit 15 lakh senior citizens by covering their medical expenses. The initiative is seen as a significant move to provide financial protection to the elderly.
3. Controversy Regarding the Schemes
Despite these announcements, the Delhi Women and Child Development Department issued a statement clarifying that neither of these schemes was currently operational. The department declared that there were no such schemes in practice and described the collection of applications for them as a fraud.
This led to a political controversy, with Arvind Kejriwal and other AAP leaders claiming that the Delhi government was wrongfully accusing them. Kejriwal further suggested that false cases would be filed against those involved, referring to the situation as a “fake case”. He also mentioned that raids would be conducted on senior AAP leaders in response to the allegations.
4. BJP’s Allegations
The BJP has strongly criticized the AAP government, accusing them of leading the state into financial ruin. BJP Member of Parliament, Pansuri Swaraj, pointed out that the Delhi government was operating in a deficit of ₹7,000 crores and was intentionally blocking central schemes like Ayushman Bharat. The BJP alleges that the AAP government has deliberately prevented the implementation of national welfare schemes for political reasons.
Moreover, BJP officials have accused the AAP of misleading the public and leading the state toward a fiscal crisis, emphasizing that AAP’s actions are putting the financial stability of Delhi at risk.
5. Political Dynamics and Electoral Impact
The political implications of this controversy are significant as the Delhi Legislative Assembly elections approach. The BJP, which has not been in power in Delhi for the past 25 years, is now presenting itself as a viable alternative, citing the financial mismanagement of the AAP government.
The allegations against AAP and the controversy surrounding the Mahila Samman Yojana and Sanjeevani Yojana have created a new narrative, with BJP accusing the AAP of using these schemes as election gimmicks. BJP is positioning itself as the party that will bring about change and restore good governance in Delhi.
6. Public Sentiment and Political Shifts
The controversy surrounding these welfare schemes is likely to influence the public’s perception of the AAP government. Many Delhi residents, especially women and senior citizens, are keen on the implementation of these welfare programs, and any confusion or delay could affect voter sentiment.
Political analysts suggest that the BJP, which has been out of power in Delhi for over two decades, may now have a chance to capitalize on these controversies and secure a victory in the upcoming elections. They believe that there is growing frustration among Delhiites with the current administration, and the BJP might benefit from the call for “change.”
7. Future of AAP and BJP in Delhi Politics
The outcome of this political tussle will significantly affect the future political landscape in Delhi. If the BJP successfully capitalizes on these controversies, it could lead to a shift in power. The AAP, on the other hand, will need to address these allegations and ensure that their schemes are properly implemented if they want to maintain public support in the run-up to the elections.
This situation has set the stage for a fierce political battle, with both parties vying for the trust of Delhi’s electorate. The coming months will likely see intensified campaigning, with both parties using these issues as major talking points.
