Arvind Kejriwal announced a new scheme on Thursday aimed at benefiting women in Delhi, promising ₹1,000 per month directly in their accounts. He further assured that the amount would be increased to ₹2,100 if his Aam Aadmi Party secures victory in the upcoming February election.
Kejriwal clarified that the initial payment of ₹1,000 could not be credited before the election, citing the imminent announcement of poll dates within 10-15 days, making it “impossible to transfer the money now.”
Accompanied by Chief Minister Atishi, the AAP leader criticized the opposition Bharatiya Janata Party, accusing them of delaying the scheme’s implementation by “conspiring and sending me to jail (in the alleged liquor policy case),” which he claimed had deprived Delhi women of a consistent honorarium.
Kejriwal Announcements for the people of Delhi
“I have come to make two big announcements for the people of Delhi… both are for women. I had earlier promised to give ₹ 1,000 to every woman. This proposal was passed in a cabinet meeting chaired by Atishiji this morning. Now this scheme has been implemented in Delhi…”
“(But) elections will be announced in 10-15 days, so it is not possible to transfer money to your accounts right now. Also, some women had said ₹ 1,000 will not be enough – due to inflation and price rise. Therefore, registration will start from tomorrow for ₹ 2100 per month…”
“This scheme is for empowering women and addressing their financial needs,” Mr Kejriwal said, snapping back at criticism from the BJP – that it is merely a poll-related freebie, or revdi.
“What the BJP calls ‘revdis’, I see as a step to strengthening our society. The BJP also asks, ‘where will the money come from?’… but I had said we will give free electricity (a promise the AAP made before the 2015 Delhi election, and which is now a party standard) and we did that,” he reminded voters.
“I want to tell the BJP… I am a magician. I am a magician of accounts,” he declared with a smile.
