Arvind Kejriwal, the Chief Minister of Delhi and leader of the Aam Aadmi Party (AAP), strongly defended the Delhi government's Mukhyamantri Mahila Samman Yojna (MMSY) during an appearance at the Agenda Aaj Tak event on Friday. Kejriwal reiterated that AAP was the first political party in the country to conceptualize and introduce the idea of providing direct financial assistance to underprivileged women, positioning it as a significant welfare measure. Speaking to the media, he underscored the transformative work done by his government in several sectors, including education, healthcare, and electricity, as evidence of AAP’s commitment to the welfare of the people.
When asked about the Rs 1,000 per month financial aid to women beneficiaries under MMSY, which some critics have claimed is similar to the BJP's Ladli Behna Yojana in Madhya Pradesh, Kejriwal responded with firm clarity. "Please check your facts. We announced it in February," he said. He explained that the scheme had been delayed due to his arrest earlier in the year, and assured that if AAP retains power in the upcoming Delhi elections, the monthly financial assistance would be increased to Rs 2,100 for eligible women. His remarks were aimed at countering any opposition claims of AAP merely copying the BJP’s initiative.
Kejriwal took the opportunity to highlight the significant and positive impact that AAP's governance has had on the city, emphasizing the party's focus on education and healthcare. He pointed to the marked transformation of Delhi's public schools, where infrastructure, teaching standards, and facilities have seen significant improvement under AAP. He also spoke of the success of mohalla clinics, which have provided affordable healthcare to millions of Delhiites, particularly in underserved areas. Another key achievement he mentioned was the consistent 24-hour electricity supply that had become a reality after AAP's intervention. “Every election is different, but we are confident the people appreciate our work,” Kejriwal said, expressing his belief in the public’s support based on the tangible results of AAP’s efforts.
Addressing criticisms regarding unfulfilled promises, Kejriwal acknowledged that some goals, such as cleaning the Yamuna River, ensuring clean water via taps in every household, and improving the city’s road infrastructure, had not been completed as anticipated. However, he assured that these promises were not forgotten and that he would seek another mandate to complete these unfinished projects. “I will go to the people and ask for one more chance to complete my work,” Kejriwal said, seeking the public's understanding and support for a second term.
On the issue of AAP’s governance within the Municipal Corporation of Delhi (MCD), Kejriwal responded to criticism by pointing to improvements in the conditions of safai karamcharis (sanitation workers). He noted that, under his government, the MCD had ensured that salaries were paid on time, and 8,500 sanitation workers were made permanent employees. "When we took over MCD, it was in a poor state," Kejriwal said, acknowledging the dire situation and highlighting the positive changes his government had been able to implement since taking office.
One of the most significant achievements that Kejriwal proudly highlighted was the improvement in Delhi’s power supply. When AAP took office in 2015, power cuts in the city lasted up to 8 to 10 hours a day. Under AAP's leadership, power cuts have been reduced to nearly zero, transforming the city's electricity supply. Despite political challenges from the Lieutenant Governor, the Prime Minister, and the Home Minister, Kejriwal pointed out that AAP had succeeded in building new schools and healthcare infrastructure, while also ensuring essential services such as water and electricity remained uninterrupted.
The defense of AAP’s governance, combined with a promise to continue with welfare programs, signals the party’s preparedness for the upcoming Delhi elections. Kejriwal’s confidence in the people’s support is based not only on the welfare measures that have been implemented but also on the belief that his party’s governance model has resonated with the city's residents. If AAP retains power in the elections, the party is committed to scaling up its initiatives, including increasing financial assistance to women and continuing its focus on improving education, healthcare, and essential services for Delhiites. The success of the MMSY is seen as a cornerstone of AAP's commitment to empowering marginalized sections of society, and the party is hopeful that the upcoming polls will solidify its mandate to continue this work.
