Clash over financial assistance to women before Delhi elections: AAP and BJP face to face

Before the assembly elections in Delhi, political temperature has increased regarding financial assistance to women. On one hand, Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) has promised to provide monthly assistance of Rs 2100 to women if they win the elections, while on the other hand, former BJP MP Parvesh Sahib Singh Verma has distributed Rs 1100-1100 to women. AAP has strongly criticized this, calling it an attempt to buy votes. At the same time, Pravesh Verma says that this assistance has been given through his organization, which works to help the poor.

Controversy over Pravesh Verma’s ‘Laadli Yojana’

A card and Rs 1100 cash in an envelope were distributed to the women at the residence of former MP Pravesh Verma.

What is written on the card?

• ‘Ladli Yojana’ is written on the top of the card.
• This includes the beneficiary’s name, photograph, father’s or husband’s name, and signature.
• The card also has photographs of Prime Minister Narendra Modi, BJP President JP Nadda, Home Minister Amit Shah, and former CM Sahib Singh Verma.
• It is also written:
  

  “Women’s respect, national self-respect.”

Women’s statements:

Many women told the media that along with the cash, they were also promised that Rs 2500 more would be given after the elections.

BJP’s side: No help, allegations of vote buying rejected

Pravesh Verma’s statement:

• Pravesh Verma admitted to distributing the money.
• He said:
  

  “My father had founded ‘Rashtriya Swabhiman Sanstha’ 25 years ago, through which we have been helping the poor for a long time.”

• Referring to his actions he said:
  • Built two villages after Gujarat earthquake.
  • Four villages were resettled after Odisha cyclone.
  • Gave Rs 1 lakh each to the families of Kargil martyrs.
  • Spent Rs 5 crore in Corona epidemic.

Verma’s promise:

He said that women of New Delhi seat will be given assistance of Rs 1100 every month.

“I organized camps, filled forms, and gave assistance through volunteers. I am helping mothers and sisters with my house money, account money, and organization funds.”
Taking aim at Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal, he said:
“I am not distributing liquor, which the Chief Minister of Delhi distributed.”

Arvind Kejriwal’s counterattack

Kejriwal’s allegation:

AAP chief and Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal accused Pravesh Verma of buying votes.

• He tweeted:
  

  “These people are giving Rs 1100 to every voter and asking them to vote for their party. Is this helping the needy or openly buying votes?”

• He further wrote:
  

  “Women of Delhi should go to their houses and take money. But don’t vote for them.”

Called Pravesh Verma a traitor:

Kejriwal said:

“Your father must be feeling ashamed today that his patriotic son did such a thing.”

Prediction:

• Kejriwal claimed that BJP can declare Pravesh Verma as the CM face.
• He said:
  

  “Will the people of Delhi make such a person their Chief Minister?”

Political importance: Election battle on New Delhi seat

Arvind Kejriwal has been elected MLA from New Delhi seat three times.

• There is speculation that Pravesh Verma may contest against Kejriwal this time.
• ‘Laadli Yojana’ and financial help are being seen as part of the BJP’s strategy.