Delhi Requires Genuine Leadership, Not Political Stunts: Bansuri Swaraj Critiques AAP's Registration Initiative

New Delhi, Dec 22 (NationPress) BJP MP Bansuri Swaraj lambasted Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) national convenor Arvind Kejriwal on Sunday, accusing him of indulging in political stunts just before the Delhi Assembly elections.

Her pointed comments were a direct response to AAP's recent announcement regarding door-to-door registration for two new welfare initiatives -- Mahila Samman Yojana and Sanjeevani Yojana -- set to begin on December 23.

In an interview with IANS, Swaraj expressed skepticism about AAP's motives behind these programs, referring to the “unfulfilled and false promises” made during the Punjab elections of 2021-2022.

"They are making promises today. Similar promises were made in Punjab. It's December 2024, and not even a single rupee has been transferred to the women in Punjab. Is respect for women just an election gimmick for Kejriwal?" she questioned.

"You are promising to give out money to people, but you do not have money. From where will the money come? Delhi CM Atishi in November requested the Centre for a Rs 10.5 crore loan. Why are you lying to people when you don't have money? Stop making false promises," Swaraj criticized the AAP government in Delhi during her conversation with IANS.

Earlier, at a press conference, she urged Kejriwal not to “mislead the women of Delhi,” asserting that women in Punjab continue to await the promised financial aid.

Swaraj also brought attention to AAP MP Swati Maliwal's assault incident, accusing Kejriwal of hypocrisy regarding the 'Mahila Samman' (respect for women).

"When your party's secretary physically assaulted a female MP from your own party in your presence, did you forget about respect for women? Not only did you protect the accused, but you also made him the Chief Advisor for Punjab," she stated, adding that many AAP leaders criticized Maliwal instead of offering her support.

Regarding the Sanjeevani Yojana, Swaraj cautioned senior citizens not to “fall into AAP's trap,” emphasizing that the Kejriwal government did not implement the Ayushman Bharat scheme in Delhi, which is active in 33 states.

"You've been in power for a decade, but you didn't prioritize senior citizens. Now, with elections approaching, he is indulging in political theatrics. This is nothing but political theatrics. Delhi needs leadership, not political theatrics," she remarked.

Swaraj further criticized the AAP administration for failing to address a petition filed by Delhi's seven BJP MPs in the High Court, which questioned the non-implementation of Ayushman Bharat.

"Kejriwal's government has no answers. They're making false announcements without adequate funds," she alleged.

Citing a 2014 finance department report, Swaraj claimed that Delhi's budget deficit was Rs. 7,000 crore. "When the state is grappling with such a deficit, how will these schemes be funded?" she questioned.

She accused the Kejriwal administration of failing to fulfill its commitments and claimed that it spent the last decade enjoying power instead of working for Delhi's welfare.

"The people of Delhi have understood this now. They are determined to oust AAP and bring a BJP government to power," Swaraj concluded.