Delhi L-G orders probe into AAP govt’s ‘Mahila Samman’ scheme

Delhi Lieutenant Governor VK Saxena has ordered a high-level inquiry into the Aam Aadmi Party government’s proposed Mukhyamantri Mahila Samman Yojana after a complaint was lodged by Congress leader Sandeep Dikshit alleging it to be a “fraud” perpetrated by the ruling party.

Former CM Arvind Kejriwal accused the BJP of using “disruptive tactics and false propaganda” to derail AAP’s welfare schemes. He called the BJP’s actions an attack on the very fabric of pro-people governance, urging Delhi residents to resist these moves with unity and determination.

The inquiry was ordered on a complaint by Congress’ New Delhi Assembly seat candidate Sandeep Dikshit, who recently met Saxena at Raj Niwas.

In a letter addressed to the Chief Secretary and Police Commissioner, the L-G’s Principal Secretary said, “The Lieutenant Governor has desired the Chief Secretary to get an inquiry conducted through Divisional Commissioner in the matter of collection of personal details and forms by non-government people.”

It said the police commissioner may direct the field officers to take action as per law against any person found breaching the privacy of citizens by collecting their personal details in the name of enrolling them for “benefits”.

On Wednesday, Dikshit met Saxena and expressed apprehensions about the Mahila Samman Yojana under which the Delhi Government has promised to give every woman aged above 18 in the city Rs 1,000 per month. AAP said if it gets re-elected, the government would raise the amount to Rs 2,100 per month.

Dikshit, according to the letter, alleged that AAP workers were going door-to-door meeting women and making them sign some forms. “Dikshit has requested that because of the clarification submitted by the Women and Child Development Department, it is clear that this is a fraud being perpetrated by AAP and has requested to institute a high-level inquiry into the matter,” the letter read.

Further, Delhi Police Commissioner (DCP) was asked to direct the field officers to take action as per law against persons who are breaching the privacy of gullible citizens by collecting their personal details in the garb of giving benefits.

The L-G also said that the Chief Secretary of the Delhi Government may bring the matter to the knowledge of the Election Commission of India through the chief electoral officer given that such canvassing is happening ahead of the election.

Meanwhile, Kejriwal, in a press conference, alleged that the inquiry came not from the Delhi L-G but from the “office” of BJP leader Amit Shah.

“The BJP, rattled by the overwhelming support these initiatives have received, has resorted to ordering a sham investigation to derail public trust. This act of desperation shows they have already conceded defeat,” he said.

Kejriwal also accused the BJP of colluding with the Congress to undermine AAP’s efforts. “Today, the BJP is so desperate that they are begging Congress to save them. The BJP didn’t even have the courage to complain to the L-G. They had Congress leader Sandeep Dikshit do it instead. Look at how BJP and Congress are working together to stop AAP and the people of Delhi,” he said.