December 28, 2024: Delhi Lt Governor VK Saxena has ordered an investigation into alleged irregularities in several Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) schemes, raising the stakes ahead of the upcoming assembly elections. The directive, based on a complaint by Congress leader Sandeep Dikshit, has drawn sharp reactions from AAP chief Arvind Kejriwal, who dismissed the allegations as baseless and politically motivated.
The probe focuses on claims that personal data was fraudulently collected under the guise of AAP's Mahila Samman Yojana, a scheme promising Rs 2,100 monthly to eligible women. Additional allegations include reports of cash transfers from Punjab to Delhi to influence the elections and the presence of Punjab intelligence officers near Congress candidates’ residences in Delhi. The Lt Governor has instructed the Chief Secretary to investigate the alleged misuse of personal data through the Divisional Commissioner, while the Delhi Police has been tasked with taking legal action against unauthorised registration camps breaching citizens' privacy.
Arvind Kejriwal, reacting strongly to the developments, termed the investigation a "fake" attempt to derail his party's electoral prospects. "What will they investigate?" he asked, accusing the BJP of using the probe to target welfare schemes that have gained public traction. Kejriwal alleged that initiatives like the Mahila Samman Yojana and Sanjeevani Yojana were popular among voters, which had made the BJP uneasy about its electoral chances.
"We announced that if we win, we will implement these schemes, including giving Rs 2,100 to women and free treatment for the elderly. Lakhs of people registered for these initiatives. This made the BJP nervous, and now they are resorting to goons, police action, and fake investigations to stop us," Kejriwal said. He further claimed that BJP leaders were worried their deposits would be forfeited in many constituencies.
Meanwhile, the Delhi government’s Women and Child Development and Health departments had previously issued public notices clarifying that the Mahila Samman Yojana and Sanjeevani Yojana lacked official approval. The notices described the registration process for these schemes as fraudulent and warned citizens against sharing their personal details.
Adding to the controversy, Sandeep Dikshit's complaint also alleged cash being transported from Punjab to Delhi for election-related activities. In response, the Lt Governor directed the Delhi Police Commissioner to monitor vehicles entering the city from neighboring states, with police in Punjab, Haryana, and Rajasthan placed on high alert to prevent illegal activities.
As the investigation unfolds, the political battle in Delhi is intensifying. The AAP has framed the probe as an attempt by the BJP to sabotage its public welfare promises, while opponents argue the allegations expose deeper issues with the party's operations. With assembly elections on the horizon, the outcome of these investigations could significantly impact the electoral dynamics in the capital.