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 ₹2,500 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 “Bank of Betrayal” to underscore what they called the BJP’s failure to fulfill its commitment.
The controversy stems from Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s election promise, where he pledged that every woman in Delhi would start receiving ₹2,500 monthly from March 8, coinciding with International Women’s Day. However, with no funds allocated and no registration process initiated, AAP leaders have accused the BJP of breaking its word.
AAP’s Criticism
AAP’s Delhi State President Saurabh Bharadwaj and senior leader Atishi led the charge, questioning the delay in implementing the scheme. Bharadwaj said, “The Prime Minister assured women of Delhi that they would receive ₹2,500 from March 8. Today, we are handing out ‘Bank of Betrayal’ cheques to remind the BJP of its promise. This will serve as a wake-up call for them.”
Atishi, Leader of the Opposition in the Delhi Assembly, slammed the BJP for what she termed a false assurance. “March 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 hasn’t even started. This proves that the BJP never intended to fulfill its commitment.”
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. “It has been nearly two weeks since the committee was announced, yet women are still waiting for their ₹2,500. The BJP must keep its word,” she declared.
BJP’s Stand
The BJP, however, has maintained that the process is in progress. A senior party leader, speaking on condition of anonymity, stated, “The fact that a committee has been formed proves our commitment. These things take time, and we are ensuring that the scheme is implemented properly.”
The party also accused AAP of political gimmickry. “Instead of staging protests, AAP should focus on governance where it holds power. The BJP remains committed to women’s welfare, and the scheme will be implemented soon,” 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, “We were told we would get ₹2,500 from March 8, but nothing has happened. We just want clarity on when we will receive the money.”
Political analysts believe this issue has become a major flashpoint between AAP and BJP. Dr. Rajeshwari Singh, a political commentator, noted, “AAP’s demonstrations aim to mount pressure on BJP and gain public support. However, the BJP’s handling of the situation will determine its political impact.”
Symbolic Protest
As part of their unique protest strategy, AAP leaders distributed large cheques marked “Bank of Betrayal”, featuring a downward-facing lotus (BJP’s electoral symbol) and PM Modi’s image. Women at the protests raised slogans such as, “When will we get ₹2,500? PM Modi, where is our money?”
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.