BJP, AAP spar over free LPG promise amid protests

The ongoing political tussle between the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) and Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) intensified on Thursday as the two parties traded barbs over the government’s promise to provide free LPG cylinders to women in Delhi. While the AAP accused the BJP of failing to fulfil its commitment, Delhi BJP president Virendra Sachdeva assured that the scheme would be implemented once budgetary allocations were in place.

“We all remember our promise of providing free LPG cylinders, but first, we need to allocate the budget for it. However, Atishi and AAP are only doing politics of lies,” said Sachdeva, dismissing AAP’s criticism. He asserted that the BJP remains committed to delivering on all promises made in its Sankalp Patra.

Sachdeva also pointed out that Chief Minister Rekha Gupta has already launched the Mahila Samriddhi Yojana with an allocation of Rs 5,100 crore, reiterating that BJP will fulfil its poll pledges step by step.

Meanwhile, AAP leaders staged a protest at ITO, accusing the BJP of deceiving voters with false promises. Party leader Saurabh Bharadwaj questioned why the Delhi Government had not yet provided the free LPG cylinders. He said: “Firstly, Virendra Sachdeva is neither the Chief Minister nor a minister. The Delhi Government should answer this. What administrative problem did they face that they couldn't fulfil the promise of free cylinders on Holi and Diwali made to the Hindus of Delhi? They have betrayed the Hindus of Delhi.”

AAP leaders, including Atishi, have been vocal in their criticism, calling the BJP a “jumla party” for allegedly failing to deliver on key election promises, including free LPG cylinders and Rs 2,500 financial aid for women.

The BJP, however, has accused the AAP of political theatrics, asserting that its government will implement all schemes as per financial and administrative procedures.