BY PC bureau
The political landscape in Delhi has turned into a battleground as the Aam Aadmi Party (AAP), Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP), and Congress trade accusations ahead of the crucial Delhi Assembly elections. The rivalry has escalated with a series of allegations, counter-allegations, and high-level inquiries involving the Lieutenant Governor (LG), adding another layer to the fierce contest.
BJP vs. AAP: Welfare Schemes at the Center
At the heart of the AAP-BJP tussle lies the Mahila Samman Yojana, a welfare scheme proposed by AAP, which promises ₹2,100 per month to all eligible women in Delhi if the party retains power. BJP leaders, along with the LG, have raised concerns about alleged data collection under the scheme. On Saturday, the LG ordered an inquiry into complaints that private individuals were gathering women’s personal information in the name of the scheme.
#WATCH | AAP National Convenor Arvind Kejriwal says "The situation of BJP is such that they are pleading in front of the Congress party to save them. BJP itself did not have the courage to complain but got Sandeep Dikshit to complain. Both of them want to stop AAP. I am ready to… pic.twitter.com/dXAGpkFETv
— ANI (@ANI) December 28, 2024
Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal dismissed the allegations as “fake,” accusing the BJP of orchestrating the inquiry to halt AAP’s outreach efforts. “The BJP is scared of losing the election and is trying to stop these schemes that directly benefit the public,” Kejriwal said in a press conference. He further alleged that BJP “goons” disrupted AAP’s registration camps and used the Delhi Police to intimidate volunteers.
Lieutenant Governor’s Role
The Lieutenant Governor, VK Saxena, has become a key figure in the escalating political drama. While the LG’s office maintains that the inquiry is necessary to ensure transparency and legality, AAP sees it as a politically motivated move influenced by the BJP. Kejriwal accused the LG of acting at the behest of Union Home Minister Amit Shah to disrupt AAP’s electoral prospects.
The LG’s directive also included a recommendation to the Delhi Chief Secretary to inform the Election Commission about the alleged violations, adding an institutional dimension to the conflict.
Congress Joins the Fray
The Congress party has also launched a scathing offensive against AAP. Former Member of Parliament Sandeep Dikshit, who is contesting against Kejriwal from the prestigious New Delhi seat, accused AAP of fraudulently collecting women’s data under the guise of the Mahila Samman Yojana. Dikshit’s complaint prompted the LG’s inquiry, further fueling the controversy.
Congress leader Sharmistha Mukherjee also targeted AAP, criticizing its governance and accusing it of failing to deliver on past promises. She highlighted that AAP’s populist measures were merely electoral stunts.
AAP’s Counter-Offensive Against Congress
Kejriwal responded sharply, accusing Congress of colluding with the BJP to sabotage AAP’s campaign. “The BJP lacked the courage to act directly, so they used Congress to file complaints. Congress and BJP are working together to stop AAP,” he said. Kejriwal also alleged that Congress candidates were being funded by BJP to weaken AAP’s position in the election.
Political Implications
The escalating conflict among the three parties reflects the high stakes in the upcoming Delhi Assembly elections. For AAP, the Mahila Samman Yojana and other welfare promises like free healthcare for senior citizens are critical to retaining voter support. For BJP, halting AAP’s momentum is crucial to gaining a foothold in the capital. Meanwhile, Congress seeks to revive its presence by attacking AAP’s credibility.
With accusations flying and inquiries underway, the political temperature in Delhi is only expected to rise as the elections approach. The outcome will not only shape Delhi’s governance but could also signal shifts in broader national alliances and political strategies.
