New Delhi: Delhi chief minister Rekha Gupta on Sunday alleged that the Arvind Kejriwal-led Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) government has drained the government coffers, but assured that her administration will implement the Rs 2,500 monthly scheme for women. Gupta, the first-time MLA from Shalimar Bagh, underlined that the scheme would be launched after thorough planning.
Before the polls, the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) had vowed a monthly assistance of Rs 2,500 for women from “poor families” under the ‘Mahila Samriddhi Yojana’ and Rs 21,000 for pregnant women. The party had spelt them out in its Delhi election manifesto as well.
Addressing a press conference, Gupta pointed out that the situation left behind by the previous government is such that “when we review the financial status with officials, the public exchequer appears completely empty. The Mahila Samriddhi Yojana is a regular feature for the people of Delhi, a continuous effort for our sisters, and we will introduce it among the public with detailed planning”.
The new CM also stated that all MLAs would take the oath during the first session of the Delhi government. The Speaker and Deputy Speaker would be elected, and the pro tem speakers would be sworn in by the Lieutenant Governor on Monday.
Atishi wrote letter to Rekha Gupta
On Saturday, AAP leader Atishi had written to Gupta, urging a meeting with the AAP legislative delegation to take up the implementation of Rs 2,500 monthly assistance for women as promised by the PM Narendra Modi during the poll campaign. The letter was shot off after the BJP’s first cabinet meeting on February 20 did not discuss the scheme.
In a sharp response, Gupta accused the Congress and AAP of neglecting the people of Delhi. She said, “Congress ruled Delhi for 15 years and after that it was the AAP… yet, they never addressed the issues of the people of Delhi. And now, just one day after we took office, they have started raising questions on our government.” She reiterated her commitment to the public and assured that her government would keep its word.
First session likely to be tumultous
The first session of the new government’s assembly beginning on Monday is expected to be tumultuous. According to sources, a strategy to corner the opposition was devised in a meeting of the BJP legislative party. The government will attempt to corner the opposition on issues like the Sheesh Mahal, liquor scam, Yamuna cleaning, corruption, and the CAG report. The government has also prepared responses to every question from the opposition, aiming to corner them from all sides.
Meanwhile, the opposition is preparing to target the government on issues like the Rs 2,500 monthly scheme for women, and BJP’s “unfulfilled” promises. A ruckus is expected from both sides during the first three-day session of the new government.
