Delhi Govt Faces Allegations of Fake Schemes Amidst Political Tensions

Delhi Govt Faces Allegations of Fake Schemes Amidst Political Tensions

In recent developments in Delhi, the Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) finds itself at the center of a controversy involving its registration drives for two major schemes: the Sanjeevani Yojana and the Mahila Samman Yojana. These initiatives have now been red-flagged by Delhi’s Health and Family Welfare Department and the Women and Child Development Department, raising serious questions about their authenticity and the political motives behind them.

The Alleged Fake Schemes: Sanjeevani and Mahila Samman Yojana

The Sanjeevani Yojana, which AAP claims offers free healthcare to citizens over 60, particularly at private and government hospitals, has been brought into question. The Health Department published a public notice categorically denying the existence of the scheme. According to the notice, the department has no records or authorization for such a program, and no one has been granted permission to collect personal data from elderly citizens or issue health cards.

Similarly, the Mahila Samman Yojana, which promises to provide Rs 2,100 per month to women in Delhi, has also been disowned by the Women and Child Development Department. The department stated that no such scheme had been notified and emphasized that any collection of forms or personal information related to it is fraudulent. It also warned the public against sharing personal details as doing so could lead to cybercrime.

AAP’s Response: Claims of Political Targeting

In the wake of these red flags, Arvind Kejriwal, the Chief Minister of Delhi, lashed out at the central government, accusing it of trying to sabotage the initiatives. In a statement, he suggested that the government’s reaction to these schemes had unsettled them, and that this could lead to false cases and raids against senior AAP leaders, particularly Atishi, a key member of the party.

Despite the official notices, AAP leaders have continued their doorstep registration drives. According to AAP sources, over 1.5 lakh people have been registered under the Sanjeevani scheme, and around 13 lakh women have signed up for the Mahila Samman Yojana. The party is targeting 5 lakh registrations daily through a dedicated team of 3,000 workers.

Political Fallout and Public Reactions

The controversy has sparked a flurry of political responses. The Delhi BJP chief, Virendraa Sachdeva, condemned the actions of the Delhi government, accusing them of misleading the public by introducing unapproved schemes. He described it as a serious case of digital fraud, wherein officials were forced to issue warnings to protect citizens from being misled.

The issue of unauthorized schemes coincides with the ongoing power struggle between the AAP government and the central government. Delhi’s administration is caught in a tug-of-war, with the AAP claiming limited control over bureaucrats, as most of them are appointed by the Centre. The battle for authority over Delhi’s services has reached the courts, with the Supreme Court ruling last year that the Delhi government should control its services. However, the Centre counteracted with an ordinance and an Act, creating the National Capital Civil Services Authority. This Authority, comprising the Chief Minister, Chief Secretary, and Principal Home Secretary, effectively undermines the Delhi government's control.

Legal and Administrative Implications

The growing tension between Delhi's elected government and the central government has brought to the forefront the issue of governance in the capital. With the AAP accusing the Centre of interfering in its jurisdiction, it becomes clear that this issue is not just about a few misleading schemes but also about the larger struggle for political power in Delhi.

The AAP’s Sanjeevani Yojana and Mahila Samman Yojana are now embroiled in a web of legal, political, and administrative conflicts. As the AAP continues to push for these schemes despite the official rejections, the public will likely find themselves caught in the crossfire of this larger political battle.

Conclusion: A City Caught Between Schemes and Allegations

While the political battle between the AAP and the central government intensifies, the alleged fake schemes have left Delhi residents confused and concerned. With authorities denying the existence of these schemes, the question remains: will the AAP's ambitious promises of welfare programs for the elderly and women stand or will they crumble under the weight of these legal and political battles? As the situation unfolds, both the public and political players will be watching closely to see how this drama plays out in the lead-up to the Delhi Assembly elections.