Former Delhi Chief Minister Atishi is pushing for the realization of the Rs 2,500 monthly assistance scheme for women, following the Bharatiya Janata Party's (BJP) first cabinet meeting after assuming power. The promise, made by Prime Minister Narendra Modi during his election rally, has become a focal point for the newly established government amid growing expectations from the electorate.
Atishi's fresh appeal was directed toward Chief Minister Rekha Gupta, who took office just days ago. She wrote to Gupta, expressing concerns over the surprising omission of the much-anticipated scheme from the February 20 cabinet discussions, thereby leaving many women feeling disillusioned. “During the cabinet meeting, the women’s financial assistance scheme was predictably absent,” Atishi stated, pointing out the commitment Modi made to Delhi women during his January 31 electoral rally.
Atishi's letter articulates the disappointment shared by the women of Delhi. “The mothers and sisters of Delhi trusted Modi ji's guarantee, and now they feel deceived,” she remarked, showcasing the discontent among constituents who hoped for immediate action following the BJP's electoral success.
Responding to the newly sworn-in Gupta, Atishi sought to facilitate dialogue between the Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) legislative delegation and the CM to address the pressing issue. Her letter requested time to meet on February 23, underscoring the significance of following through on campaign promises and ensuring funds would be transferred to eligible women’s bank accounts by March 8, as asserted during campaign promises.
Adamant, Atishi pressed on the point of accountability by the new government. She noted, “If Modi ji's guarantee was real, the women’s financial assistance scheme would have been passed during the first cabinet meeting. But on her first day as Chief Minister, Rekha Gupta exposed Modi ji's false claims and proved his guarantees were no more than empty promises.”
Atishi’s statements come after Gupta, along with her Cabinet Ministers, took office with high expectations but prepared to inspect the current state of Delhi’s infrastructure and social services. Gupta, who met with supporters soon after taking office, has vowed to utilize every day effectively, stating, “I will not waste even a single day for the people of Delhi.”
While Gupta directed officials to address the issues concerning water quality amid other pressing local infrastructure needs, the topic of women’s financial support remains unresolved—heightening scrutiny on the BJP's election pledges.
Atishi has emphasized Modi's prior commitments, including the assurance of passing the scheme during the first cabinet meeting. “Modi ji had stated from every platform, cementing promises made to the populace,” Atishi reiterated of Modi's election trail, pointing to statements made by BJP National President JP Nadda echoing similar guarantees.
Atishi’s pressure on Gupta seems to reflect broader electoral concerns as party lines delineate clear political accountability. AAP has indicated it will ardently monitor the BJP’s promise fulfillment, not shying away from questioning whether this was merely another electoral gimmick used to secure votes. “Was this just another election gimmick?” she asked, challenging the BJP’s sincerity.
The responses from the Gupta administration will be telling of the new government's commitment to its electoral promises, especially considering the AAP government's previous focus on social welfare schemes. The expectations around the women's assistance scheme resonate deeply with voters, particularly following these elections where promises were made both by leaders like Modi and Gupta.
With the clock ticking down to the proposed March 8 deadline for implementation, the pressure mounts alongside the disappointment felt among constituents. It will be key to observe how the new administration addresses not only the women's financial assistance plan but other welfare commitments laid out during the campaigning period.
Despite receiving criticism, Gupta has begun her term with the promise of concrete action. Acknowledging the extensive political and economic dynamics at play, the outcome of this dialogue, particularly Atishi's anticipated meeting with the CM, will likely set the tone for the Gupta government’s responsiveness to voter concerns.
The political battlefield remains intense, underscoring the emotional and substantive expectations of the electorate. How the BJP-led government handles the issue of women’s welfare assistance will undoubtedly influence public perception of its governance and commitment to the promises made during the election.