As Delhi prepares for assembly elections early next year, Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal and the Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) are focused on winning voters through welfare measures, with special attention to women, youth, and autorickshaw drivers.
At the forefront of AAP’s campaign is the Mukhyamantri Mahila Samman Yojana, which promises to provide monthly financial assistance of ₹2,100 to women in Delhi—an increase from the previous ₹1,000. Kejriwal emphasized that the scheme is a blessing, not an expense, adding that empowering women is crucial for societal progress.
AAP supporters hail the initiative as a game-changer, but critics, particularly from the BJP, have raised concerns about its financial feasibility.
Kejriwal dismissed these criticisms, stating his government has successfully managed funds for free electricity and other subsidies. Registrations for the scheme have already begun, with AAP volunteers visiting households to help women enroll.
In addition to women-centric policies, Kejriwal unveiled a welfare package for autorickshaw drivers, a key support base for AAP.
The package includes life and accident insurance worth ₹15 lakh, financial aid of ₹1 lakh for daughters’ weddings, ₹2,500 in uniform allowances twice annually, free coaching classes for their children, and integration with the PoochhO ride-hailing app. Recalling the role autorickshaw drivers played in his political success, Kejriwal urged them to rally behind AAP once again.
AAP is also targeting the youth with its Business Blasters Seniors programme, which provides university and ITI students with up to ₹50,000 in seed funding to launch businesses.
Highlighting the initiative, minister Atishi said it aims to nurture job creators rather than job seekers, building on the success of a similar school-level programme.
Opposition parties, including the BJP and Congress, have criticized AAP for prioritizing populist “freebies,” arguing they strain public finances.
The Delhi government’s budget allocated significant funds to subsidies and welfare schemes, including ₹3,250 crore for free electricity and ₹2,000 crore for the Mahila Samman Yojana—around 8.3% of its ₹76,000 crore budget.
Despite mounting criticism, Kejriwal remains confident, framing his policies as empowerment rather than giveaways. Combining his government’s achievements with targeted outreach, AAP hopes these initiatives, particularly those benefiting women, will secure another electoral victory in Delhi.
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