Members of Mahila Manch on Tuesday protested outside Delhi Finance Minister Atishi’s residence, demanding that the AAP government execute its budget commitment of offering a monthly stipend of Rs 1,000 to women in the city. Protesters gathered outside the minister’s house on Mathura Road, shouting slogans, PTI reported.
“The AAP government announced an honorarium of Rs 1,000 per month for women in its budget. It was not an election promise. Therefore, the government should now provide the money to women,” said one of the protesters, Safia Faheem. .
#LOOK | Delhi: Delhi women staged a protest against AAP minister Atishi, demanding immediate payment of Rs 1,000 promised to Delhi women by the AAP government. pic.twitter.com/vLa4CWoCPl
— AIN (@ANI) June 11, 2024
A senior police official reported that the demonstration was calm and that no one was arrested. “Some women protested outside Minister Atishi’s house. No one was arrested as they were protesting peacefully,” the senior police officer said.
Later, at a press conference, Atishi said the protest was organized by the women’s wing of the opposition BJP, indicating his desire to win votes. “It was the women’s wing of the BJP who organized the protest. This shows the desperation of the BJP. They know that the people of Delhi want to see Kejriwal as chief minister again, they know that the chief minister will fulfill his promise of giving Rs 1,000, that’s why they are organizing such protests to eliminate a few votes here and there in their name,” he said.
Delhi: “Women’s Forum is organizing a rally. Arvind Kejriwal had promised before the elections that each sister would get one thousand rupees, which has not been fulfilled. This protest is being held on this issue,” says a woman protesting in front to Atishi… pic.twitter.com/QBbl12SaQU
– IANS (@ians_india) June 11, 2024
However, Faheem denied any links with the BJP. While free from Tihar jail, Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal campaigned for the Lok Sabha elections and promised to pay Rs 1,000 a month to the women of Delhi.
The AAP government’s budget for 2024-25, presented in the Assembly, included a provision for adult women to receive Rs 1,000 a month through the Mukhyamantri Mahila Samman Yojana. Atishi earlier told PTI that the scheme would be announced once the model code of conduct for the Lok Sabha elections is lifted, and is expected to be implemented in September-October this year.