11 March 2025
Tension is brewing in Delhi's political circles as AAP leader Atishi seeks a meeting with the newly-appointed Delhi Chief Minister Rekha Gupta. The discussion focal point is the stalled women's aid scheme, a key election promise made by Prime Minister Narendra Modi, which promised ₹2,500 monthly to women across the city.
Understanding the Political Strain
This particular scheme, a cornerstone of the BJP's election campaign, was supposed to get the green light at the BJP government's initial cabinet meeting on February 20. However, the absence of any progress has led to growing frustration among the public. As Atishi put it, women who placed their faith in Modi's promise are now feeling disheartened and betrayed by the political promises left unfulfilled.
With her proactive approach, Atishi penned a letter referencing Modi's vow at the January 31 rally, intending to hold the government accountable. She highlighted how women's expectations have been dashed and pushed for an urgent meeting on February 23 with Gupta and other AAP MLAs to expedite the implementation.
The Fiscal Dispute
On the other end, BJP leaders, standing their ground, claim the scheme will be operational by March. They emphasize the necessity for meticulous financial planning to ensure its smooth rollout. Delhi CM Rekha Gupta has stressed the significance of this planning phase, citing it as a reason for the delay.
However, this reasoning doesn't sit well with AAP officials. They've criticized the delay as an unwarranted excuse and pointed fingers at the BJP for undermining their track record. Atishi proudly cited improved debt-to-GDP ratios and budget growth under the AAP's previous governance, challenging the BJP's claims of an empty treasury.
Amidst this backdrop, the debate continues with attention fixated on whether the BJP can meet its self-imposed deadline. Meanwhile, political watchers and Delhi's citizens are left waiting to see if this bold promise will come to fruition, or if it will become another chapter in the narrative of political promises that fall short.
