AAP Faces Controversy Over Flagship Schemes as Delhi CM Atishi Blames BJP for Misleading Notices
On Wednesday, Delhi Chief Minister Atishi announced strict administrative action against two government officers who issued public notices disclaiming the registration process for two flagship schemes initiated by her and former CM Arvind Kejriwal.
The notices, attributed to the Women and Child Development Department and the Health and Family Welfare Department, denied the existence of the Mahila Samman Yojana and Sanjeevani Yojana.
Addressing a press conference, Atishi criticized the BJP, alleging their involvement in pressuring officials to release misleading information.
She asserted, “The notices issued in newspapers today are wrong. BJP, by putting pressure on a few officers, got this notice published today. Administrative and police action will be taken against these officers.”
Flagship Schemes and Political Row
The controversy erupted after AAP leaders and volunteers launched campaigns to register beneficiaries for the Mahila Samman Yojana and Sanjeevani Yojana.
These schemes were unveiled as part of AAP’s campaign for the 2025 Delhi Assembly Elections.
The Mahila Samman Yojana proposes monthly financial assistance of ₹1,000 to non-tax-paying eligible women, with promises to increase it to ₹2,100 if AAP retains power.
Meanwhile, the Sanjeevani Yojana offers free healthcare in government and private hospitals for senior citizens.
However, a public notice issued by the Women and Child Development Department claimed, “No such scheme has been notified by the Delhi government.”
This statement fueled a political clash, with the BJP seizing the opportunity to attack the AAP, accusing the party of inconsistency and digital fraud.
AAP’s Stance: Allegations and Reactions
Atishi maintained that the Mahila Samman Yojana had been approved by the Delhi Cabinet and described the notice as part of a BJP-led conspiracy.
Former CM Arvind Kejriwal supported her claims, alleging that the BJP plans to target AAP leaders with false cases.
“These people (BJP) are very upset with the Mahila Samman Yojana and Sanjeevani Yojana,” Kejriwal stated. “They plan to arrest Atishi ji in the next few days by making a fake case. Before that, raids will be conducted on senior leaders of AAP.”
The announcement has sparked widespread political speculation and social media discourse as Delhi prepares for its assembly elections.
Election Landscape: Delhi Assembly 2025
The upcoming Delhi Assembly elections are expected to take place in February 2025.
While the Election Commission has yet to announce the official dates, AAP aims to secure a third consecutive victory after dominating the 2015 and 2020 elections with 67 and 63 seats, respectively.
The AAP has already declared candidates for all 70 assembly seats, while the Congress has released 47 names in two lists. The BJP, however, has yet to unveil its candidate list.
Opposition Criticism and AAP’s Response
The BJP criticized the AAP over the notice, alleging internal discord between Kejriwal and Atishi. They also accused Kejriwal of engaging in digital fraud, exacerbating the already tense political atmosphere.
Despite these allegations, AAP remains steadfast in its campaign. The party asserts that both the Mahila Samman Yojana and Sanjeevani Yojana reflect its commitment to addressing women’s financial independence and senior citizens’ healthcare needs.
What Lies Ahead?
As the Delhi Assembly Elections draw closer, the controversy surrounding AAP’s schemes has amplified political tensions in the capital. With allegations flying and campaigns intensifying, the upcoming elections promise to be a closely contested battle.
For now, the Mahila Samman Yojana and Sanjeevani Yojana remain focal points of AAP’s electoral strategy, embodying their vision for Delhi’s future amidst fierce opposition challenges.
