New Delhi [India]: BJP leader Manjinder Singh Sirsa has accused AAP supremo and former Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal of engaging in “fraud” related to data collection through the party’s welfare schemes, including the Mahila Samman Yojna and Sanjeevani Yojna.
Speaking to media, Sirsa linked the alleged misuse of these schemes to the previous liquor scam and criticized the AAP government for deceptive practices.
“The way Arvind Kejriwal is doing fraud by collecting data, just like the liquor scam (through schemes like Mahila Samman Yojna and Sanjeevani Yojna). It is their government, and it was advertised in newspapers quoting Atishi that ‘we don’t have any such scheme.’ Collecting data and withdrawing people’s money via OTP—is this the task he is left with? Still, AAP wants the LG to remain silent?” Sirsa said.
He further alleged that Delhi residents are forced to rely on government hospitals due to the unavailability of free treatment worth ₹5 lakhs in private hospitals under the AAP government. Sirsa accused Kejriwal of deceiving the public with “fake forms” and pledged that BJP would implement all pending schemes initiated by Prime Minister Narendra Modi if it comes to power in Delhi.
The controversy stems from a newspaper advertisement quoting AAP leader Atishi, which reportedly denied the existence of the Mahila Samman Yojna. Sirsa claimed this is evidence of fraud, accusing the AAP government of collecting personal data and withdrawing money from people’s accounts using OTPs.
Meanwhile, Kejriwal hit back, accusing the BJP of attempting to derail the welfare schemes and alleging political motives behind the investigation ordered by Delhi Lieutenant Governor (LG) VK Saxena.
“The BJP is nervous over the Mahila Samman Yojana and Sanjeevani Yojna, as lakhs of people have already registered. They are trying to stop these schemes because they know their electoral deposits will be forfeited,” Kejriwal said during a press conference.
Kejriwal reiterated that both schemes—offering ₹2,100 to women above 18 years and free healthcare for senior citizens—were election promises. He accused the BJP of wanting to eliminate welfare measures like free travel for women, free electricity, free water, and mohalla clinics.
The Delhi LG has initiated an inquiry into allegations that non-government entities collected personal details of residents under the guise of registration for AAP’s proposed welfare schemes. Congress leader Sandeep Dikshit also called for an investigation into the alleged misuse of the Mahila Samman Yojna, further fueling the political battle.
Kejriwal dismissed the investigation as politically motivated, claiming it was instigated by a complaint filed by Congress leader Dikshit.
“The BJP is so desperate that it has aligned with the Congress to stop AAP. I am ready to go to jail for the people again. Is the country their ancestral property?” he remarked.
The AAP-led Delhi government has clarified that the Mukhyamantri Mahila Samman Yojana has not been officially notified, while BJP continues to accuse Kejriwal of “digital fraud.” Atishi alleged that BJP pressured Delhi government officials, vowing to take action against those responsible for issuing false notifications.