New Delhi: Aiming to counter the ruling Aam Aadmi Party (AAP)’s Mukhya Mantri Mahila Samman Yojana, the Congress on Monday launched its ‘Pyari Didi’ scheme, which promises Rs. 2,500 per month to women residents of Delhi, ahead of the assembly elections.
The announcement was made by Karnataka Deputy Chief Minister DK Shivakumar, in the presence of Delhi Congress President Devender Yadav and other senior party leaders. Shivakumar, addressing the gathering, emphasized the Congress Party’s historical commitment to national welfare and promised that the scheme would help bring about positive change in the lives of women in Delhi.
“Congress’ strength is the country’s strength, and Congress’ history is the country’s history,” Shivakumar said. “This New Year should bring change to Delhi. I hope that with your support, we can bring the Congress government to power here, just as we delivered on our promises in Karnataka.”
Shivakumar went on to highlight Congress’ recent achievements in Karnataka, where the party implemented five key guarantees just three months after coming to power. “The status of youth, families, and economic conditions in Karnataka has changed for the better, and people are enjoying the benefits,” he added. The Deputy CM also invoked Mahatma Gandhi’s vision of an inclusive society, reiterating Congress’ commitment to ensuring welfare for every section of society through its policies.
The Congress move is seen as a direct challenge to the AAP’s own Mukhya Mantri Mahila Samman Yojana, launched earlier by Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal. Kejriwal’s scheme offers Rs 2,100 per month to women in the city, which the Congress now seeks to surpass with its Rs 2,500 monthly offer.
In addition to the women’s welfare scheme, Kejriwal’s government has also introduced the Sanjeevani Yojana, aimed at providing free treatment to all Delhi residents aged 60 and above, both in private and government hospitals. The announcement of these welfare schemes comes as Delhi gears up for its assembly elections.
Meanwhile, Prime Minister Narendra Modi, who recently inaugurated several development projects in the city, highlighted the Centre’s Ayushman Bharat scheme. Under this initiative, free healthcare is now available to all individuals aged 70 or more. However, the AAP government in Delhi, now headed by Atishi, has refused to implement Ayushman Bharat, creating a rift with the BJP-led central government.
As the political stakes in Delhi rise, both the Congress and AAP are intensifying their efforts to win over voters with a slew of welfare promises ahead of the elections.
