The LG ordered a probe after Congress’s Sandeep Dikshit alleged private data collection under AAP’s Rs 2,100 monthly poll promise.
New Delhi: Delhi Lieutenant Governor (LG) Vinai Kumar Saxena has ordered an investigation into allegations that unauthorized individuals are collecting personal information from Delhi residents under the guise of registering them for the Aam Aadmi Party’s (AAP) proposed welfare scheme, ‘Mahila Samman Yojana.’
The LG’s directive followed complaints from Congress candidate Sandeep Dikshit, who claimed that private individuals were gathering sensitive data in the name of a poll promise by AAP to provide Rs 2,100 monthly to women. The LG’s letter, dated December 27, instructed the Chief Secretary to have the Divisional Commissioner investigate the matter. Additionally, the Police Commissioner was directed to ensure field officers take legal action against those breaching citizens’ privacy through fraudulent registration drives. Deputy Commissioners of Police (DCPs) were advised to act against private individuals conducting such unauthorized enrollment camps.
Dikshit, Congress’ New Delhi assembly constituency candidate, alleged that AAP was misleading citizens and requested a high-level inquiry. He noted that the Delhi Women and Child Development (WCD) Department had issued a public notice clarifying that the ‘Mahila Samman Yojana’ had not been officially notified and no such scheme currently exists.
In his representation, Dikshit stated that AAP leaders, including Delhi former Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal, had announced plans to provide Rs 1,000 per month to all women in Delhi above the age of 18, with a promise to increase the amount to Rs 2,100 if re-elected in the 2025 Assembly elections. He alleged that AAP members were collecting personal details by having women sign forms during door-to-door campaigns.
The LG’s letter also directed the CS to inform the Election Commission of India through the Chief Electoral Office in Delhi.
On December 22, 2024, AAP National Convenor Arvind Kejriwal announced the launch of registrations for the ‘Mukhya Mantri Mahila Samman Yojana’ and the ‘Sanjeevani Yojana’ ahead of the February 2025 Assembly elections. Kejriwal stated that teams would visit households across Delhi to assist women with registrations and issue beneficiary cards. He emphasized that a Delhi voter ID card was mandatory for registration and encouraged residents to verify their voter status on the website.
The Mahila Samman Yojana aims to provide Rs 2,100 monthly to women residing in Delhi. Kejriwal assured residents that registration teams would facilitate the process, eliminating the need for individuals to queue for enrollment.
Meanwhile AAP National Convenor Arvind Kejriwal criticized the inquiry into AAP’s welfare schemes, calling it baseless and an attempt to shut down promises like the Mahila Samman Yojana and Sanjeevani Yojana before they even began. He accused the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) of prioritizing the dismantling of free electricity, water, Mohalla Clinics, and education in Delhi instead of working for the people. Kejriwal highlighted BJP’s alleged hypocrisy, claiming they ignored vote-buying by their own leaders while targeting AAP’s registration drives. He reminded citizens of his track record in delivering on promises and urged them to trust him to implement the new schemes despite BJP’s interference. He accused the BJP and Congress of colluding against AAP and appealed to Delhiites, especially women, to stand by him. Kejriwal vowed to fight for the schemes, even if it meant facing imprisonment, and assured citizens he would not let their benefits be taken away.
On the other hand, Delhi Congress President Devender Yadav said that, He welcomed the LG’s decision to investigate Dikshit’s complaint, emphasizing the importance of ensuring free and fair elections without intimidation of candidates. Yadav also criticized Kejriwal’s shaky promises, like giving Rs 2,100 to women, which were debunked by government departments, alleging Kejriwal was using unethical methods to cling to power. Yadav further condemned the alleged misuse of Punjab police personnel to intimidate Congress candidate Sandeep Dikshit, claiming they were being deployed near Dikshit’s residence at Kejriwal’s behest. Yadav accused Kejriwal of resorting to undemocratic tactics out of fear of losing his seat in the upcoming Delhi Assembly elections.
Delhi BJP President Virendra Sachdeva welcomed the LG’s inquiry into allegations of unauthorized data collection under the Mahila Samman Yojana, raising concerns about potential misuse of women’s personal information. He assured BJP’s full cooperation and criticized Arvind Kejriwal for making unfulfilled promises and using women’s issues for electoral gains.
Sachdeva questioned the legitimacy of the Rs 2,100 monthly scheme, noting that no cabinet approval exists, and highlighted Kejriwal’s failure to deliver on similar promises in Punjab. He accused the Delhi government of collecting women’s data without transparency and depriving citizens of schemes like Ayushman Bharat due to political motives.
Highlighting BJP-led states’ successful women-centric initiatives, Sachdeva asserted that a BJP government would better serve Delhi’s women. He also warned of potential cybercrimes linked to private data collection, citing complaints from women about AAP leaders allegedly gathering bank details and OTPs under false pretenses.