In a move aimed at bolstering its appeal among women voters, Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) chief Arvind Kejriwal announced a significant welfare scheme on Thursday, December 12. The Delhi state cabinet, under the AAP government, approved a proposal to provide ₹2,100 monthly to women in the national capital.
The announcement comes as Delhi gears up for its Assembly elections, expected in early 2025. Kejriwal, a former Chief Minister of Delhi, framed the initiative as a commitment to women’s empowerment and financial support.
This scheme draws comparisons to Maharashtra’s “Ladli Bahin” initiative, launched by the Mahayuti alliance, which played a pivotal role in the alliance’s sweeping victory in the 2024 Maharashtra Legislative Assembly elections. Political analysts have pointed to the Ladli Bahin scheme as a decisive factor in securing a strong voter base for the Mahayuti, especially among women.
AAP, which has maintained a stronghold in Delhi, faces challenges in governance due to ongoing tussles with successive lieutenant governors. However, its focus on grassroots welfare and populist measures has remained central to its strategy.
As the political climate heats up in Delhi, the announcement underscores AAP’s intent to consolidate support among women voters, promising them direct financial assistance. Whether this scheme can replicate the success of similar initiatives in other states remains to be seen.
