New Delhi: The political row over Delhi's Lakshmi Yojana intensified on Monday as BJP leaders and workers staged protests outside the offices and residences of Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) MLAs, accusing the opposition party of obstructing the women's welfare scheme.
The protests were organised across the national capital after the BJP alleged that AAP legislators had opposed the implementation of the Lakshmi Yojana in the Delhi Assembly. The BJP had announced simultaneous demonstrations outside the residences of 22 AAP MLAs, with party workers gathering from Monday morning.
The scheme, launched by the Delhi government on August 1, promises eligible women a monthly financial assistance of ₹2,500. The initiative is being presented by the BJP-led Delhi government as an important measure for the economic empowerment of women. However, its implementation has already faced criticism and practical difficulties, including problems during the initial registration process.
The BJP has accused AAP leaders of deliberately creating hurdles for the scheme and sought to put political pressure on the opposition legislators. Party leaders have argued that AAP MLAs should support a programme aimed at providing direct financial assistance to women rather than opposing it.
AAP, however, has raised questions over the eligibility conditions and implementation process. The party has criticised the BJP over restrictions linked to the scheme, including the residency requirement, arguing that such conditions could exclude a section of women living in Delhi.
Former Delhi Chief Minister and AAP national convener Arvind Kejriwal has also attacked the BJP over the scheme, urging the government to extend the benefits to women without restrictive conditions. He has pointed to the experience of welfare schemes in Punjab while demanding broader coverage for Delhi women.
The latest protests have therefore turned the Lakshmi Yojana into a major political flashpoint between the BJP and AAP. The BJP is seeking to portray its implementation as a key welfare commitment and is putting the Opposition on the defensive, while AAP is questioning the conditions and process through which the benefits are being distributed.
With protests now being held outside the homes and offices of elected representatives, the dispute is expected to remain a prominent issue in Delhi politics in the coming days.
