Members of the Bharatiya Janata Party’s Mahila Manch in Delhi organized a protest against the Aam Aadmi Party government led by Arvind Kejriwal, and gathered outside the home of Finance Minister Atishi Marlena. They demanded the fulfillment of the government’s commitment to provide a monthly honorarium of Rs.1000 to women.
Numerous women, holding placards, rallied outside Atishi’s residence to demand the promised funds. Amidst the chants, a woman proclaimed, “If we’ve completed the forms, we should receive Rs 1000.”
Announcement of Honorarium in Budget
“The AAP government announced Rs 1000 per month honorarium for women in its budget. It was not some poll promise. So, the government should now provide the money to the women,” voiced Safia Faheem, one of the protesters.
A police officer provided information about the protest, stating that the protesters were peacefully dispersed and no arrests were made. “A group of women demonstrated in front of Minister Atishi’s house. No one was arrested as the protest was conducted peacefully,” a senior police officer reported.
The reason for the protest was that Atishi Marlena, who holds the finance minister portfolio among others, had assured in the budget speech for the fiscal year 2024-25 that women over the age of 18 years would receive Rs 1000 as financial aid from the Delhi government. However, the women have not received this amount yet.
In response to the protest, Atishi held a press conference. She suggested that the demonstration was orchestrated by the women’s wing of the opposition BJP, indicating their eagerness to secure votes.
“The protest was organized by the women’s wing of the BJP. This reflects the BJP’s desperation. They are aware that the people of Delhi want Kejriwal to continue as the chief minister, and they know he will fulfill his promise of giving Rs 1,000. That’s why they are staging such protests to gain a few votes in his name,” she commented.
Atishi further stated that the protest reveals the BJP’s anxiety. With the Vidhan Sabha elections approaching, the BJP is aware that the people want to see Arvind Kejriwal retain his position as the Chief Minister.
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