New Delhi: In a major setback for the Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) ahead of the Delhi Assembly elections, Lieutenant Governor (LG) VK Saxena on Saturday directed legal action against individuals involved in registrations under the controversial Mahila Samman Yojana. The order, based on a complaint from Congress leader Sandeep Dikshit, alleged that AAP was misleading women in Delhi with a non-existent scheme.
The directive instructed Delhi’s Chief Secretary and Police Commissioner to investigate the collection of personal details at registration camps allegedly set up by AAP workers. Concerns about privacy violations were raised, with the LG’s office describing the activity as unlawful and demanding strict legal action against those involved. Dikshit accused the party of exploiting women for electoral benefits, stating, “This is a case of fraud. They are collecting phone numbers and addresses from unsuspecting women for a scheme that does not exist.”
The controversy stems from a recent announcement by Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal and Minister Atishi, promising Rs 1,000 per month to women above 18, with the amount increasing to Rs 2,100 if AAP retains power in 2025. However, the Delhi government clarified that no such scheme is operational, intensifying scrutiny of AAP’s actions.
Kejriwal hit back at the allegations, calling the investigation politically motivated. Speaking at a press conference, he said, “BJP is scared of losing Delhi. Our schemes, including Mahila Samman Yojana and free healthcare for senior citizens, have received overwhelming public support, making the BJP nervous. They are using police and fake inquiries to disrupt our work.” Kejriwal also defended the registration process, claiming it was part of electoral preparations.
The escalating row has brought together Congress and BJP in their criticism of AAP, setting the stage for a heated political contest as the Assembly elections draw closer. The outcome of the inquiry and the political fallout could significantly shape the narrative in the coming months.
