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The political landscape in Delhi is heating up as the upcoming assembly elections draw closer. Lt. Governor VK Saxena has ordered a series of investigations into allegations surrounding the Aam Aadmi Party's (AAP) flagship schemes, sparking a heated exchange between the AAP and the BJP. These investigations, prompted by a complaint filed by Congress leader Sandeep Dikshit, encompass several serious accusations, including claims of fraudulent data collection, illicit cash transfers, and the alleged presence of Punjab intelligence officers near the residences of Congress candidates. The timing of these investigations, so close to the elections, has fueled speculation of political maneuvering and accusations of deliberate sabotage aimed at undermining the AAP's electoral prospects.
The core of the allegations centers around the AAP's Mahila Samman Yojana, a scheme promising a monthly payment of Rs 2,100 to eligible women. Dikshit's complaint alleges that private individuals were fraudulently collecting personal data under the guise of enrolling beneficiaries for this program. This claim is further substantiated by public notices issued by the Delhi government's Women and Child Development and Health departments, which declared the Mahila Samman Yojana, along with the Sanjeevani Yojana, as lacking government approval and therefore 'non-existent.' These notices served as warnings to citizens against sharing their personal information with unauthorized individuals, highlighting the severity of the alleged data breach. The LG's office has directed the Chief Secretary to conduct a thorough inquiry into these allegations, while the Delhi Police has been tasked with taking legal action against those involved in organizing unauthorized registration camps.
Adding another layer of complexity to the situation is the accusation of cash being transported from Punjab to Delhi to allegedly fund election-related activities. This allegation has prompted the LG's office to direct the Delhi Police Commissioner to closely monitor vehicles entering the city from neighboring states, collaborating with police forces in Punjab, Haryana, and Rajasthan to prevent any potential illegal activities. The presence of Punjab intelligence officers near the residences of Congress candidates in Delhi is another serious allegation under investigation. The Delhi Police has been given a three-day deadline to submit a detailed report on this matter, adding to the urgency surrounding these investigations.
AAP chief Arvind Kejriwal has vehemently denied all allegations, branding them as “fake” and questioning the basis of the investigations. He emphasized the popularity of the Mahila Samman Yojana and Sanjeevani Yojana, citing the overwhelming number of registrations as evidence of public support. Kejriwal directly accused the BJP of orchestrating these investigations through the LG's office, suggesting a politically motivated attempt to sabotage the AAP's chances in the upcoming elections. He pointed out that the BJP's opposition to these schemes stems from their fear of losing the elections and their unwillingness to support programs beneficial to the public, further fueling the political tension surrounding these events. The AAP claims that over 22 lakh women have already registered for the Mahila Samman Yojana, highlighting the potential impact of the investigation's outcome.
The situation has escalated into a major political showdown, with both parties engaging in fierce accusations and counter-accusations. The BJP's alleged use of the LG's office to target the AAP underscores the deep-seated political rivalry between the two parties in Delhi. The investigations themselves represent a significant challenge to the AAP, potentially impacting their electoral campaign and potentially jeopardizing the implementation of their popular welfare schemes. The outcome of these investigations will undoubtedly play a crucial role in shaping the political narrative leading up to the Delhi assembly elections, with potentially significant consequences for both the AAP and the BJP.
The timing of the investigations raises serious questions about their impartiality. The proximity to the elections suggests a potential attempt to influence the electoral process, raising concerns about fairness and transparency. Independent observers will be closely scrutinizing the conduct of the investigations to ensure they are thorough, unbiased, and adhere to the highest standards of due process. The allegations of data breaches and illicit cash transfers are particularly serious and require immediate and impartial investigation to protect the rights and privacy of citizens and ensure the integrity of the electoral process. The accusations and counter-accusations further intensify the already tense political climate in Delhi. The coming weeks will be crucial in determining the impact of these investigations on the upcoming elections and the future of social welfare programs in Delhi.
Source: Lt Governor Orders Probe Into AAP's Schemes, Arvind Kejriwal Poses Question