A large group of women gathered outside the residence of Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) Minister Atishi Marlena today, protesting the unfulfilled promise of Rs 1000 made by Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal. The women, under the banner of Mahila Manch, expressed their frustration and disappointment over the unfulfilled election promise.
The protestors claimed that Kejriwal had promised to give Rs 1000 to each woman who supported AAP during the elections. According to Shafia, one of the protestors, Kejriwal had made the women fill out forms and assured them that they would receive the money if they voted for AAP. “If he can give one liquor bottle with another, why can’t he give us the money he promised?” Shafia asked.
The women accused Kejriwal of making false promises for electoral gains. Despite the assurances, no woman has received the promised money. The protestors also pointed out that a survey was conducted, supposedly to determine the allocation of the promised funds based on voting patterns, but nothing has materialized since the elections.
The opposition parties have criticized Kejriwal and AAP for their tactics, noting that similar cash reward promises have been made by various parties in the past. However, the discontent among the women indicates a growing impatience with the perceived lack of accountability from the AAP government.
Earlier, the Congress party also faced allegations of bribery linked to its “Khatakhat” cash transfer scheme. Spearheaded by lawyer Vibhor Anand, accusations prompted a formal complaint to President Droupadi Murmu, urging the Election Commission of India (ECI) to investigate and potentially disqualify the 99 Congress MPs elected under this campaign promise.
The Khatakhat Scheme promised Rs 8,500 monthly and Rs 1 lakh annually to women voters’ bank accounts, contingent upon their electoral support for Congress. Key figures like Rahul Gandhi and Priyanka Gandhi promoted the scheme. Reports emerged of “guarantee cards” distributed in various states, with women lining up outside Congress offices seeking them.
Anand alleges violations of the Representation of People Act, citing bribery for electoral influence. He calls for ECI action, demanding an inquiry and potential disqualification of implicated Congress leaders and the annulment of the electoral victories of 99 Congress candidates.
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