“AAP drained treasury”: Delhi CM Rekha Gupta on ₹2,500 women’s aid scheme

Delhi Chief Minister Rekha Gupta on Sunday accused the previous AAP government of emptying the public exchequer. Despite financial challenges, she assured that her administration would implement the ₹2,500 monthly aid scheme for women.

Before the assembly polls, the BJP promised ₹2,500 per month to women from poor families under the ‘Mahila Samriddhi Yojana’ and ₹21,000 for pregnant women. Addressing a press conference, Gupta emphasized her government’s commitment to the scheme.

“The financial situation we inherited is dire. When we reviewed the state’s funds with officials, we found the exchequer nearly empty. However, the Mahila Samriddhi Yojana is a priority. We will introduce it with careful planning,” she said.

Gupta also announced that all MLAs would take the oath in the first session of the Delhi government. The assembly would elect the Speaker and Deputy Speaker, while the lieutenant governor would swear in the pro tem speakers on Monday.

Meanwhile, former Delhi Chief Minister and AAP leader Atishi demanded clarity on the scheme’s implementation. She wrote to Gupta, requesting a meeting with AAP’s legislative delegation on February 23. Atishi noted that the first cabinet meeting on February 20 did not approve the aid, raising concerns about the BJP’s promise.

“Delhi’s women trusted Modi Ji’s guarantee. Now they feel deceived,” Atishi said. She argued that if the promise was genuine, the scheme would have been approved in the first cabinet meeting. “On her first day as Chief Minister, Rekha Gupta exposed Modi Ji’s false claims,” she added.

Atishi reminded the public that Prime Minister Narendra Modi repeatedly assured women would receive ₹2,500. BJP President JP Nadda had also stated that the scheme would be passed in the first cabinet meeting. However, no such approval came.

Atishi further questioned whether Gupta would fail to deliver on the March 8 deadline. “Modi Ji promised the funds would reach women’s accounts by March 8. Will Rekha Gupta prove his guarantee false again?” she asked.

The debate over the scheme has intensified, with the BJP under pressure to fulfill its promise. Gupta maintains that her government remains committed despite financial constraints, while AAP continues to challenge the BJP’s credibility. With March 8 approaching, Delhi’s women await action, not just assurances.