Former Delhi Chief Minister and AAP leader Atishi has accused the BJP government, led by Chief Minister Rekha Gupta, of breaking its promise to provide financial assistance of Rs 2,500 per month to the women of Delhi. The BJP had promised to pass the scheme in its first cabinet meeting, but Atishi claimed that the scheme was not discussed or approved.
“BJP has made up their mind to cheat the people of Delhi,” said Atishi, in a self-made video. She further expressed disappointment, noting that women across Delhi were expecting the promise to be fulfilled immediately after the BJP’s victory in the assembly elections.
Atishi also pointed out the timing of the first cabinet meeting held after Rekha Gupta’s swearing-in as Delhi Chief Minister, noting that it had taken place at 7 pm, but the promised scheme was not approved.
BJP’s First Cabinet Meeting Decisions
In the first cabinet meeting chaired by Rekha Gupta, the BJP government focused on two key issues: implementing the Ayushman Bharat scheme with an additional Rs 5 lakh top-up and tabling 14 pending CAG reports in the first sitting of the Assembly.
“We will fulfil all the commitments that we have made to the people,” Rekha Gupta assured the press after the meeting. The Ayushman Bharat scheme aims to provide free medical treatment up to Rs 5 lakh for citizens, with the state government adding an additional cover of Rs 5 lakh for the poorest families in Delhi.
Response from Rekha Gupta
When asked about Atishi’s criticism over the unfulfilled promise of Rs 2,500 for women, Rekha Gupta firmly stated, “It’s our government; the agenda will be ours.” She emphasized that the BJP government would focus on its own priorities, irrespective of the previous administration’s promises.
Rekha Gupta also confirmed the decision to implement Ayushman Bharat and table the CAG reports, actions she claimed would address the health needs of Delhi residents and provide transparency regarding the state’s finances.
BJP’s Electoral Promises and Priorities
During the Delhi assembly elections, the BJP had promised a series of initiatives focused on women’s empowerment and healthcare. The Ayushman Bharat Yojana was a cornerstone of their campaign, which promises affordable healthcare for all Delhi citizens. The Rs 2,500 monthly assistance to women was also part of their pre-poll manifesto.
BJP’s Ministerial Portfolios
Rekha Gupta also announced the portfolios of her ministers, who will oversee key areas of governance. Gupta, as Chief Minister, will handle several critical portfolios, including General Administration, Finance, Revenue, Women and Child Development, and Information and Public Relations, among others.
While Atishi has criticized the new government for not delivering on its promises to Delhi women, the BJP has firmly stated its intent to set its own course, focusing on healthcare and governance reforms in the first few days of Rekha Gupta’s leadership.