New Delhi, March 4, 2025 – The Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) stepped up its demand for the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP)-led Delhi government to find the promised ₹2,500 a month for economically weaker women before the elections. With just four days left for its self-imposed March 8 deadline-International Women’s Day-AAP leaders have urged Chief Minister Rekha Gupta to get the scheme rolling quickly.
History of the Promise
During the Delhi Assembly elections, the BJP promised a monthly support of ₹2,500 to underprivileged women-a figure higher than AAP’s ₹2,100. This promise was a foundation upon which the BJP could build its campaign-marketing the plight of women in a financial crisis to gain votes from the largely female electorate. The proposed scheme, called the Mahila Samriddhi Yojana, was to be launched by mid-march 2025.
AAP’s Call for Urgency
On March 4, AAP leaders, including former Chief Minister and Leader of Opposition Atishi, held a sit-in demonstration near Mandi House metro station, demanding clarity from the BJP government regarding the status of its promised help. It is almost a rare case when a party takes to the streets demanding accountability from the rival in the Delhi Assembly.
Atishi herself added urgency to the issue, saying, “Only four days are left. The BJP government must keep its promise to women in Delhi by March 8.” She accused the government of lacking transparency and the will to implement the scheme.
BJP’s Response and Preparations
In response to AAP’s allegations, BJP officials reiterated their commitment to establish the Mahila Samriddhi Yojana. They urge now-they claim- that the groundwork is being laid for implementation. By March 8, the scheme will be up and running. One senior BJP leader said, “We are completely committed to the promise. The implementation plan is in the final stages, and eligible beneficiaries will start receiving the assistance given soon.”
Political Implications
This promise has great political significance for the BJP as it touches directly upon its credibility and relationship with women from economically weak backgrounds. If the promise built by the BJP is not fulfilled, it may provide AAP with significant leverage to question the BJP on its credibility and governance. On the other hand, if success is attained in fulfilling the promise, then it may bolster the BJP and establish their credibility and faith amongst the citizens of Delhi.
Public Sentiment and Expectations
The women who will qualify to receive the proposed help offered a blended sentiment: hope and skepticism. Many wait with great eagerness for financial assistance, which, as they believe, would ease their economic trauma.
However, those who have suffered from political promises that were never honored become skeptical. Rekha Devi, a resident of East Delhi, stated, “This assistance will help us manage household expenses better. I hope the government keeps its word this time.”
With an eye on the BJP-led Delhi government as it prepares for a March 8 deadline to redeem its promise of ₹2,500 a month to women from economically weaker backgrounds, the Aam Aadmi Party continues to apply pressure.
The Aam Aadmi Party has not only kept the pressure on the BJP party but also reflects the hopes of the common public and government stakes. In the coming days, all attention will be similarly drawn to the promise of the government on the electoral guarantees and the deal with the demands of the women of Delhi.
