On a day when Jharkhand launched its Rs 2,500 cash transfer scheme for women—a promise on which had powered the ruling JMM to a historic victory in November last—the Congress promised a similar scheme in Delhi. The Rs 2,500 Payari Behna scheme is a counter to the ruling Aam Aadmi Party’s promise of a Rs 2,100 cash transfer to women.
There are 71.73 lakh women voters in Delhi against 83.49 lakh male voters as the Delhi state election commission released figures on Monday. What surprised the poll body was that a record over 5 lakh voter forms were received in the last 20 days of the enrolment signalling a possible rush to get the scheme. This number has prompted the poll body to call for greater scrutiny of the registered voters.
'प्यारी दीदी योजना'
— Delhi Congress (@INCDelhi) January 6, 2025
दूर होगी महंगाई की मजबूरी, 2,500 रुपयों से आधी आबादी की उम्मीदें होंगी पूरी। #PyaariDidi_Ko_Milenge_2500 pic.twitter.com/XwK3dhESEi
The ruling AAP has already started enrolment for the scheme, even though the scheme is yet to be rolled out. This is an effective campaign technique used by various parties to engage with the voters, who then have a greater recall value on the day of the polling. The Congress may go in for similar measure. The BJP had accused the AAP of misleading the public through enrolment over a non-existent scheme.
These promises by the rival parties have mounted pressure on the BJP to match the offer. The BJP is yet to come out with its manifesto. The saffron party had promised Rs 2,100 for women in Haryana, and Maharashtra where it went on to win. As Jharkhand CM had promised Rs 2,500 against BJP’s Rs 2,100, he managed to win the polls.
The competitive cash transfer, while leading to a drain on the state exchequers, has proved to be hit with the voters.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi had attacked the AAP government two days in a row as he launched several infrastructural projects for the state. He had called for regime change in the state targetting former Delhi CM Arvind Kejriwal for "over 10 years of misrule".
The AAP had countered the BJP’s charge with showcasing its work in the state and questioned the BJP on its promises for Delhi.
The elections are likely to take place in February for which the schedule may be announced soon.
