Delhi Elections: AAP Vs BJP Over Welfare Schemes As LG Saxena Orders Probe

Delhi Election: Ahead of the Delhi assembly elections, the ruling Aam Aadmi Party and the BJP have been locked in a fierce war of words over the two welfare schemes promised by Arvind Kejriwal. While Delhi LG Vinai Kumar Saxena ordered a probe into the alleged personal data collection, Kejriwal accused the BJP of trying to stop the free electricity-water-bus schemes.

The fresh row is related to two new schemes announced by Kejriwal - Mukhyamantri Mahila Samman Yojana and Sanjivani Yojana. While the AAP cabinet has approved the Mahila Samman Yojana schemes, a government notification is still pending. However, the AAP volunteers started collecting data on probable beneficiaries through registrations. The concerned Delhi government departments earlier distanced themselves from the registration campaign saying no such scheme exists and an online registration will commence once the schemes are notified. 

As BJP sharpened its attack on the ruling AAP, Delhi LG VK Saxena ordered a probe into the collection of city residents' personal data by AAP volunteers for the scheme. "LG has desired that Chief Secretary to get an inquiry conducted through Divisional Commissioner in the matter of collection of personal details and forms by non-government people. Further, Commissioner of Police may direct the field officers to take action as per law against the person who are breaching the privacy of gullible citizens by collecting their personal details in garb of giving benefits," wrote Principal Secretary of LG to Delhi Chief Secretary and Delhi Police Commissioner.

Hitting at Delhi LG and AAP following the probe order, Kejriwal accused the BJP of conspiring to stop the AAP government's schemes like free electricity, water, bus ride as well as the two newly announced schemes. "I had said that after winning the election, we will give Rs 2,100 to women and free treatment to the elderly above 60 years of age. Both these schemes were so beneficial for the public that lakhs of people registered for them already. This made the BJP nervous....First, they sent their goons, then sent the police and uprooted the registration camp, today they have ordered a fake investigation that there will be an investigation," said Kejriwal.

The former CM futher said, "What will be investigated? We had made an election announcement that if we win the election, we will implement it. I am happy that with this step BJP has made it clear why they are contesting the election. Today, they have told that if you vote for them, they will not implement the Mahila Samman Yojana and Sanjeevani Yojana. They will stop free travel for women in buses, they will stop your free electricity, free water, mohalla clinics, free treatment and free education. BJP is contesting the election to stop everything."