NEW DELHI: Delhi Chief Minister Rekha Gupta on Sunday accused the previous Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) government of leaving the state exchequer “empty.” However, she reassured that the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) government remains committed to implementing the ₹2,500-per-month honorarium scheme for eligible women.
Addressing a joint press conference alongside Delhi BJP chief Virendra Sachdeva after a legislative party meeting, Gupta stated that multiple rounds of discussions had been held with government officials since she took office.
“When we sit with officials to review the financial status, we find that the entire government exchequer is empty due to the condition left by the previous administration,” she said when asked about preparations for the women’s aid scheme. “Despite this, ensuring financial assistance to women is a priority, and we will implement the scheme with careful planning. It is our commitment, and we will fulfill it 1,000%,” she asserted.
As per government estimates, approximately 38 lakh women over the age of 18—excluding taxpayers, government employees, and beneficiaries of other welfare programs—are eligible for the scheme. The initiative is expected to require an annual budget of over ₹11,000 crore.
Focus on a ‘Viksit Rajdhani’: BJP’s Development Agenda
The ₹2,500 monthly honorarium under the ‘Mahila Samriddhi Yojana’ was one of the BJP’s key electoral promises ahead of the Delhi Assembly elections.
Gupta also announced that the Delhi Assembly session, beginning Monday, will focus on critical development projects. The first day will witness the election of the Speaker and Deputy Speaker, followed by the oath-taking of newly elected legislators. “A key highlight of the session will be the tabling of the long-pending CAG reports. The previous government must now be held accountable for the misuse of public funds,” she stated, emphasizing that all BJP commitments will be honored.
Responding to former CM Atishi’s claim that the AAP government had followed due process by forwarding the CAG reports to the Lieutenant Governor for approval, Sachdeva dismissed the assertion as “habitual falsehood.” “AAP should be prepared to answer for the financial mismanagement exposed in these reports,” he added.
Sachdeva further outlined the BJP’s vision for Delhi, stating that the government’s primary goal over the next five years will be to transform the capital into a “Viksit Rajdhani” (Developed Capital). “Our MLAs have discussed strategies to accelerate development in their constituencies. Every project will be completed, and the people’s expectations will be met. AAP’s attempts to mislead the public and defame BJP will be countered by our actions,” he declared.