Delhi Lt Governor VK Saxena has ordered investigations into alleged irregularities in Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) schemes, following complaints raised by Congress leader Sandeep Dikshit. The directive comes ahead of assembly elections scheduled for next year, intensifying the political rivalry in the capital.
The allegations center around fraudulent data collection under the guise of the Mahila Samman Yojana, the alleged presence of Punjab intelligence officers near Congress candidates’ residences, and purported cash transfers from Punjab to Delhi to influence the elections.
Sandeep Dikshit’s complaint to the Lt Governor also flagged concerns over the Mahila Samman Yojana, an AAP initiative promising Rs 2,100 monthly payments to eligible women. The Delhi government’s Women and Child Development and Health departments have previously issued public notices stating that the scheme lacks government approval and warning citizens against sharing personal information with unauthorized individuals.
Lt Governor’s Directives
Lt Governor Saxena has issued separate orders to the Delhi Chief Secretary and Commissioner of Police to investigate the complaints. The Chief Secretary has been instructed to conduct an inquiry through the Divisional Commissioner into the alleged unauthorized data collection for the Mahila Samman Yojana. Meanwhile, the Delhi Police has been directed to take legal action against individuals organizing unauthorized registration camps and breaching citizens’ privacy.
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Additionally, the Delhi Police Commissioner has been tasked with monitoring vehicles entering the city from neighboring states, following allegations of cash transfers from Punjab to Delhi for election-related activities. Police forces in Punjab, Haryana, and Rajasthan have also been alerted.
Kejriwal Responds
AAP chief and Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal dismissed the allegations as politically motivated. “What will they investigate? These claims are fake. The BJP is nervous about losing elections,” he said. Kejriwal argued that the schemes in question were election promises intended to benefit citizens.
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“We announced that after winning the election, we would give Rs 2,100 to women and free treatment to elderly citizens above 60 years of age. These schemes were so beneficial that lakhs of people registered for them already. This made the BJP nervous. First, they sent their goons, then the police uprooted registration camps, and now they’ve ordered a fake investigation,” Kejriwal claimed.
Political Accusations
The AAP has accused the BJP of using the Lt Governor’s office to undermine its electoral prospects. In a statement, the party alleged, “This order has not come from the L-G’s office but from Amit Shah’s office. The BJP wants to stop the Mahila Samman Yojana in Delhi because they do not respect women.”
Meanwhile, Dikshit’s complaint included claims that Punjab intelligence officers were stationed near Congress candidates’ residences in Delhi. The Lt Governor has directed the Delhi Police Commissioner to investigate and submit a detailed report within three days.
Public Reaction and Next Steps
Amid the escalating political drama, the AAP claimed that over 22 lakh women have already registered for the Mahila Samman Yojana. The BJP, however, has countered with allegations of electoral malpractice, urging a thorough and impartial investigation. The unfolding events are likely to shape the narrative as Delhi heads into the crucial election season.
