New Delhi: In the heart of India’s capital, a political storm is brewing over unmet promises. Just days after the BJP’s victory in the Delhi elections, former Chief Minister Atishi is challenging the new administration to deliver on its key campaign pledge: a monthly financial assistance of Rs 2,500 to women. This promise, made by Prime Minister Narendra Modi during an election rally on January 31, 2025, was expected to be approved in the first cabinet meeting. However, the scheme was notably absent from the agenda of the BJP’s inaugural cabinet session on February 20.
Atishi, who won her seat in the Kalkaji constituency, has written to Chief Minister Rekha Gupta, urging her to meet with the Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) legislative delegation on Sunday to address the issue. In her letter, Atishi highlighted that PM Modi had assured Delhi’s women that the scheme would be passed in the first cabinet meeting, calling it “Modi’s guarantee.” Despite this, the BJP-led government’s first cabinet meeting focused on implementing the Ayushman Bharat health insurance scheme and tabling pending CAG reports, leaving the financial aid scheme unaddressed.
The BJP secured a significant victory in the February 5 elections, winning 48 seats, while AAP managed 22. The absence of the financial aid scheme in the first cabinet meeting has sparked criticism from AAP, with Atishi questioning whether the BJP’s promise was merely an election gimmick. She displayed campaign posters featuring PM Modi and CM Gupta, challenging the BJP to clarify when the promised financial assistance would be deposited.
The issue of financial support for women was a central theme in the Delhi election campaign, with both AAP and BJP making competing promises. Following the election results, AAP has maintained pressure on the new administration to fulfill its commitments, including providing Rs 2,500 per month to women by March 8.
