The debate surrounding the honorarium for women has once again intensified in Delhi's political arena. During a program organized on the occasion of Hariyali Teej, Sunita Kejriwal, a senior leader of the Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) and wife of former Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal, bly criticized the BJP-ruled Delhi government. She expressed her displeasure over the non-fulfillment of the promise of a monthly assistance of ₹2,500 to women and accused the government of reneging on its promise.
Promise Made to Women Still Unfulfilled
On Friday, during the 'Hariyali Teej' celebration in Nizamuddin, Sunita Kejriwal said, "This Teej is not just a festival, but a symbol of respect for women. But the government has not yet fulfilled its promise of giving a monthly honorarium of ₹2,500 to women. This is not just financial assistance, but a matter of self-reliance and dignity."
The program was organized by the women's wing of the Aam Aadmi Party, in which Delhi AAP President Saurabh Bharadwaj and women's wing president Sarika Chaudhary were also present. The ceremony, which began with the lighting of lamps, was attended by hundreds of women. Amidst cultural programs, songs, music and traditional rituals, the issue of honorarium remained the most discussed.
Sunita clearly stated that when governments back away from their promises, the public's trust is broken. Accusing the BJP government of not taking this issue seriously, she said that the Aam Aadmi Party has always prioritized the voice of women and will continue to do so.
BJP's Response
The BJP also responded to Sunita's allegations. Party leaders said that the process of disbursing the ₹2,500 women's honorarium is in its final stages and there has been a slight delay due to technical reasons. They assured that no eligible woman would be deprived of this scheme and the beneficiaries would start receiving the amount soon.
According to BJP spokespersons, procedural formalities are being completed to implement the scheme properly and the government is fully committed to its promise.
Promise Made Before Elections
It is noteworthy that before the Delhi Assembly elections, the Aam Aadmi Party government had promised to provide ₹2,500 monthly assistance to women under the 'Mahila Samman Yojana' (Women's Honor Scheme). However, the delay in the implementation of the scheme has led to resentment among women and intensified political attacks from the opposition.
The Hariyali Teej ceremony, which is usually associated with traditional festivals and cultural programs, took on a political hue this time due to the questions raised regarding the women's honorarium. While women participated in the music and Teej atmosphere, the issue of the honorarium became the highlight of the entire program.
