NEW DELHI: The Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) organized large-scale protests across the national capital on Saturday, urging the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP)-led central government to honor its pre-election promise of granting โน2,500 per month to women in Delhi. Demonstrations took place in key areas, including Govindpuri, Karol Bagh, Kondli, and Tilak Nagar, with AAP leaders distributing symbolic cheques labeled โBank of Betrayalโ to underscore what they called the BJPโs failure to fulfill its commitment.
The controversy stems from Prime Minister Narendra Modiโs election promise, where he pledged that every woman in Delhi would start receiving โน2,500 monthly from March 8, coinciding with International Womenโs Day. However, with no funds allocated and no registration process initiated, AAP leaders have accused the BJP of breaking its word.
AAPโs Criticism
AAPโs Delhi State President Saurabh Bharadwaj and senior leader Atishi led the charge, questioning the delay in implementing the scheme. Bharadwaj said, โThe Prime Minister assured women of Delhi that they would receive โน2,500 from March 8. Today, we are handing out โBank of Betrayalโ cheques to remind the BJP of its promise. This will serve as a wake-up call for them.โ
Atishi, Leader of the Opposition in the Delhi Assembly, slammed the BJP for what she termed a false assurance. โMarch 8 has passed, and not a single woman has received the promised amount. Not only has the money not been transferred, but the registration process hasnโt even started. This proves that the BJP never intended to fulfill its commitment.โ
Leading the protest in Karol Bagh, former Delhi Mayor Dr. Shelly Oberoi pointed out that the BJP had formed a committee to look into the matter, but it had not disbursed a single rupee. โIt has been nearly two weeks since the committee was announced, yet women are still waiting for their โน2,500. The BJP must keep its word,โ she declared.
BJPโs Stand
The BJP, however, has maintained that the process is in progress. A senior party leader, speaking on condition of anonymity, stated, โThe fact that a committee has been formed proves our commitment. These things take time, and we are ensuring that the scheme is implemented properly.โ
The party also accused AAP of political gimmickry. โInstead of staging protests, AAP should focus on governance where it holds power. The BJP remains committed to womenโs welfare, and the scheme will be implemented soon,โ the leader added.
Public Sentiment
The protests drew mixed reactions from Delhi residents. While some women voiced frustration over the delay, others remained hopeful. Sunita Devi, a resident of Govindpuri, said, โWe were told we would get โน2,500 from March 8, but nothing has happened. We just want clarity on when we will receive the money.โ
Political analysts believe this issue has become a major flashpoint between AAP and BJP. Dr. Rajeshwari Singh, a political commentator, noted, โAAPโs demonstrations aim to mount pressure on BJP and gain public support. However, the BJPโs handling of the situation will determine its political impact.โ
Symbolic Protest
As part of their unique protest strategy, AAP leaders distributed large cheques marked โBank of Betrayalโ, featuring a downward-facing lotus (BJPโs electoral symbol) and PM Modiโs image. Women at the protests raised slogans such as, โWhen will we get โน2,500? PM Modi, where is our money?โ
With tensions escalating, all eyes are now on whether the BJP will deliver on its promise and how these protests will influence public sentiment in the coming weeks.
