Registration For Mahila Samridhi Yojna To Start Soon: Delhi CM

After the Delhi government approved ‘Mahila Samridhi Yojana’ to provide Rs 2500 to women on the occasion of International Women’s Day, Delhi Chief Minister Rekha Gupta on Saturday said that the committee has been formed and registration for the scheme will begin soon.

“Today is Women’s Day. We had our cabinet meeting today, and our cabinet has approved the scheme – the promise that we made during the Delhi elections to provide Rs 2500 to the women. We made a provision of Rs 5100 crores in the Delhi budget for the implementation of the scheme. We have formed the committee, which will be led by me and the registration for the scheme will begin soon – a portal will be launched soon,” Gupta told reporters.

Earlier today, Union Minister and BJP president JP Nadda launched the Mahila Samridhi Yojana, a direct cash transfer scheme for Delhi’s women.

Addressing a public event on the occasion of International Women’s Day in the national capital, Nadda said that the Mahila Samridhi Yojana, to give Rs 2500 to women in Delhi, has been approved today.

Today, I am happy, and I congratulate CM Rekha Gupta and others on allocating Rs 5100 crore to implement the Mahila Samriddhi Yojan in Delhi,” Nadda further said.

“On Women’s Day, I salute women empowerment and thank the women of Delhi for making a huge contribution in forming the BJP government in Delhi. This victory has been possible only with the blessings and support of women,” he added.

Delhi BJP President Virendraa Sachdeva said, “Rs 5100 crore has been sanctioned for one year to implement this scheme. Now, we will start registration, and this scheme will be implemented.”

In the run-up to the Delhi assembly polls, which concluded earlier this year, the BJP had vowed to transfer 2500 rupees to women in Delhi. (ANI)

Shahid, Kareena Hug At IIFA Presser Breaks The Internet

Bollywood fans were in for a surprise at the IIFA 2025 press conference in Jaipur on Saturday, as former co-stars and ex-lovers Kareena Kapoor and Shahid Kapoor were spotted sharing a warm moment.

The two stars, who were once one of Bollywood’s most loved couples, were seen hugging and chatting as paparazzi captured the rare interaction.

Bebo and Shahid were in a relationship in the 2000s and starred together in several films, including Fida, Chup Chup Ke, and Jab We Met. Their on-screen chemistry made them a fan favorite; however, the two parted ways just before Jab We Met was filmed. Years later, Kareena married Saif Ali Khan and had two sons, while Shahid tied the knot with Mira Rajput and now has a son and a daughter.

The 25th edition of IIFA is set to take place on March 8 and 9 in Jaipur, Rajasthan. The event will also feature a special celebration of the iconic film Sholay on its 50th anniversary, with an exclusive screening at the famous Raj Mandir Cinema. Legendary MMA fighter and combat sports trailblazer Anthony Pettis will also make a special appearance.

This year, the audience will see Kartik Aaryan as the host of the IIFA Awards. Bollywood star Kareena Kapoor Khan is all set to attend the 25th edition of IIFA as a performer this March, and she will pay tribute to her grandfather and legendary filmmaker Raj Kapoor at the awards show. (ANI)

Govt Focus Is On Electric Mobility: Ashwini Vaishnaw

Union Minister for Railways, Electronics, IT and Information & Broadcasting, Ashwini Vaishnaw on Saturday laid the foundation stone for four manufacturing units at the Electronics Manufacturing Cluster at Divitipally, Mahabubnagar District in Telangana.

According to Ministry of Information & Broadcasting, as part of the ceremony, foundation stone was laid for upcoming Giga Factory-1 of Amara Raja company, ground-breaking ceremony was held for critical minerals refining and battery recycling of Lohum company, ground-breaking ceremony was held by Scell Energy for its cell casing manufacturing, and Altmin laid the foundation stone for its first LFP-CAM Giga Factory.

Addressing the gathering at the foundation stone laying ceremony, Ashwini Vaishnaw said, “Electric mobility remains a focus area for the government and we are committed to developing the right infrastructure and ecosystem for the promotion and adoption of EVs. We welcome Indian innovation and manufacturing initiatives and look forward to the success of this endeavor.”

As part of its objective to strengthen the electronics manufacturing ecosystem in India and give boost to EV manufacturing along with its supply chain; the Ministry of Electronics & IT (MeitY) notified Modified Electronics Manufacturing Cluster (EMC 2.0) Scheme under which it had accorded approval last year for establishment of Electronics Manufacturing Cluster (EMC) project over an area of 377.65 acres at Divtipally Village, Mahabubnagar District, Telangana.

M/s Amara Raja Advanced Cell Technologies (ARACT), is acting as Anchor unit and is establishing its Giga factory over 262 acres of land with 16 GW Cell Manufacturing and 5 GW battery pack plant in this EMC with projected investment of Rs 9,500 crores over a period of 5 years.

Once operational, the Amara Raja Giga Corridor is expected to create direct employment for 4,500 people and a similar number of indirect jobs in the State, making significant contributions to the socio-economic development of the region.

The Electronics Manufacturing Cluster is fully occupied with allotment of 307.47 acres of land to 4 companies (i.e., M/s AMARA Raja, M/s Altmin, M/s Loham Material and M/s Scell Energy) with their projected investment of Rs 10,574 crore and committed to provide employment to 19,164 (Direct- 5,864 & Indirect-13,300) persons.

Jayadev Galla, Chairman & Managing Director, Amara Raja Energy and Mobility Ltd. expressed his enthusiasm and said, “The Foundation Stone laying ceremony is a big step forward for our Company and the Group. We are grateful to the Government of India under the leadership of Prime Minister Narendra Modi and to the Minister Aswini Vaishnaw for being proactive and pro-industry.

The event saw the participation of Minister for IT, Electronics, Industries and Commerce, Legislative Affairs of Telangana Government, D Sridhar Babu, Member of Parliament from Mahbubnagar Constituency Aruna D K, and the Member of Legislative Assembly Y Srinivas Reddy. Senior officials from the State government and industry representatives were also present. (ANI)

Modi-Yogi-Shah Agenda Is To Polarize

India-US Tariff Row: Jairam Asks Modi Govt To Come Clean

Congress General Secretary Jairam Ramesh on Saturday questioned Prime Minister Narendra Modi-led government over Donald Trump’s statement on India agreeing to ‘reduce’ tariffs and expressed concern over the reported deal.

Noting Commerce Minister Piyush Goyal’s visit to Washington, Ramesh questioned whether the government is “compromising” the interest of Indian farmers and manufacturers.

“The Commerce Minister Piyush Goyal is in Washington DC to talk trade with the Americans. Meanwhile, President Trump says this. What has the Modi Government agreed to? Are the interests of Indian farmers and of Indian manufacturing being compromised? The PM must take Parliament into confidence when it resumes on March 10th,” Ramesh wrote on social media X.

Additionally, the Congress also criticised the Indian government over this reported deal to ‘slash’ tariffs on the US and Donald Trump’s remarks, calling it an “insult” to India.

“The US President says that he is exposing India. This is an insult to India. Trump also said that Narendra Modi reduced the tariffs because of fear of him. Narendra Modi should tell what compromises were made to please Trump? Why was the nation’s honour mortgaged?” Congress wrote on X.

Congress further demanded an answer from the BJP government and said that the party will organise all-party meeting to discuss this issue.

“This is a very serious matter. The Modi government should give an answer to the country on this. Along with this, an all-party meeting should be called to discuss all the issues related to this so that it can be ensured that national interest is paramount,” Congress wrote on X

Earlier US President Donald Trump attacked India’s tariffs, saying it is next to impossible to sell anything to India because of the “high tariffs.” In a nationally televised address, Trump focused on the tariffs his administration will be putting in effect soon.

Trump also revealed that India has agreed to slash its tariffs significantly, allegedly because “somebody is finally exposing them for what they have done.”

Speaking from the White House, Trump stated, “India charges us massive tariffs. Massive. You can’t even sell anything in India…They have agreed, by the way; they want to cut their tariffs way down now because somebody is finally exposing them for what they have done.”

This development comes as the US prepares to introduce reciprocal tariffs on countries that impose high levies on American goods.

The reciprocal tariffs, set to take effect on April 2, will mark a significant shift in the US trade policy. Trump has emphasised that the US will no longer tolerate being taken advantage of by other nations, particularly those with high-tariff regimes, including India. (ANI)

‘Very Special’: Esha Deol On Return To Big Screen With ‘Tumko Meri Kasam’

Actor Esha Deol spoke about returning to the big screen after a long gap in Vikram Bhatt’s ‘Tumko Meri Kasam’.

Although she has been working and was seen in web series like ‘Rudra: The Edge of Darkness’ and ‘Hunter: Tootega Nahi Todega’, she is finally returning to the big screen with Vikram Bhatt’s project after a long gap, and Esha expressed her happiness about it.

In a conversation with ANI, she shared, “I am coming on the big screen after a long time. I have been working for the past four or five years and doing web series and short films, but ‘Tumko Meri Kasam’ is very special to me as, after a long time, I am looking at myself on the big screen and doing from where I started my career.”

Directed by Vikram Bhatt, ‘Tumko Meri Kasam’, features actors Anupam Kher, Ishwak Singh, Adah Sharma and Esha Deol in key roles. The film is loosely inspired by the life of Dr Ajay Murdia, the founder of Indira IVF, a nationwide chain of fertility clinics.

While talking about the film, Esha added, “It is a human drama, and it is split in two timelines. One portion is of me and Anupam ji (Kher); another is of Adah and Ishwak, so past and present. Vikram ji has directed it in an interesting way, so the story continuously switches between present and past, so it keeps you completely glued to the screen.”

“It is a courtroom drama, and it is the first time I am playing a defence lawyer, which is a challenging role, and I have to do it with subtle intensity,” she said while throwing light on her character.

On working with Vikram Bhatt with whom she also worked in the 2006 film ‘Ankahee’, she said, “We have worked earlier and when Vikram (Bhatt) approached me with the project, he said, ‘it is based on true story and you have to play a lawyer’, I said yes…he is a kind of director ‘jo actor ko samaye dekar unse performance nikalvane ki puri koshish karte hai ‘. He never gets distracted, and he is a multitasker.”

The makers of the film recently unveiled the trailer, which starts with Anupam Kher facing murder charges and trying to clear his name. It also shows how Adah supports her husband’s dream of starting an IVF clinic while facing societal judgement and comments. The role is played by Iswak. Esha also plays a prominent role in the movie.

Interestingly, the movie also marks the debut of Vikram Bhatt as a lyricist.

‘Tumko Meri Kasam’ is presented by Mahesh Bhatt, Indira Entertainment, Produced by Indira Entertainment, Shwetambari Bhatt and Krishna Bhatt Sarda are the Project Directors. It features actors Anupam Kher, Ishwak Singh, Adah Sharma and Esha Deol in key roles. Music is by Prateek Walia. The lyrics are by Vikram Bhatt and Shweta Bothra. The music is with Zee. The film will be released on March 21.

The daughter of veteran actors Dharmendra and Hema Malini has featured in several big films like ‘Dhoom’, ‘Dus’, and ‘No Entry’.

Talking about the kind of projects she is willing to do, she said, “I am willing to do more challenging role that suits my age, and if I get such stories, definitely, I would love to be part of it.” (ANI)

Shubman Gill

Champions Trophy Final: Gill Talks Of Drawing Lessons From Past Setbacks

India’s rising batting sensation Shubman Gill is keen on channelling experience from the 2023 World Cup heartbreak and implementing it against New Zealand in the Champions Trophy final on Sunday, the ICC Cricket website reported.

Over a year ago, just one victory separated India from relieving the 2011 heroics achieved under ‘Captain Cool’ MS Dhoni. However, a blitz from Travis Head robbed the Men In Blue from realising their ultimate dream.

Tears and melancholy reverberated from Ahmedabad as Australia outwitted the hosts with a six-wicket victory in Ahmedabad.

It was almost a flawless tournament for the Rohit-led side, winning all nine group-stage games and dominating the Kiwis in the semi-final.

With another final on India’s radar, the number one-ranked ODI batter will try to ensure India’s batting can remain on track in the early stages.

If he can exhibit his sublime batting skills, Gill could release some of the pressure on their middle order, a factor which can become an overwhelming burden in a tournament decider.

“Obviously, some nerves in that match. (I learned) a lot of things. It was my first ICC Final … I was very excited,” Gill said, as quoted from the ICC.

Gill hinted that he’ll draw on the experience of the past setback to ensure he approaches with more patience, and not rush into things.

“(It felt like) I was losing time to dominate in that game. I think in big ICC knockout matches, you can give yourself a little bit more time than you think. We lost (the World Cup Final) in ’23 and then won the T20 World Cup (in 2024). So I think we have got good momentum going with us in this tournament,” he said.

“It’s going to be a really exciting game for us, and definitely, if we are able to win this one, I think it would be a great way to end this format this year. It’s a very big opportunity for us, and in general, in any ICC tournament or any ICC event that happens, we have a lot of responsibility and a lot of pressure from our fans. And the last two ICC tournaments that we have played, we went on to (make the Final),” he added. (ANI)

Peace As Soon As Possible: Ukraine President Zelenskyy

Ukraine President Volodymyr Zelenskyy said that the country is “continuously” working with its partners, including the US and Saudi Arabia, to ensure peace and strengthen security.

In a post on X, Zelenskyy said that “a lot of work” will be done with its partners to “accelerate” peace with Russia.

“We continue working with partners who seek peace just as we do, focusing on the necessary steps. Next week, there will be a lot of work here in Europe, with the U.S., and in Saudi Arabia – we are preparing a meeting to accelerate peace and strengthen the foundations of security.” Zelenskyy wrote on X.

“Today, intense work with President Trump’s team has been ongoing at various levels – numerous calls. The topic is clear – peace as soon as possible, security as reliably as possible. Ukraine is fully committed to a constructive approach,” he added.

Earlier, US President Donald Trump said he is “strongly considering large-scale banking sanctions and tariffs” on Russia until a “ceasefire and a final peace settlement agreement” with Ukraine is reached.

In a post on Truth Social on Friday, Trump wrote, “Based on the fact that Russia is absolutely “pounding” Ukraine on the battlefield right now, I am strongly considering large-scale Banking Sanctions, Sanctions, and Tariffs on Russia until a Cease Fire and FINAL SETTLEMENT AGREEMENT ON PEACE IS REACHED.”

“To Russia and Ukraine, get to the table right now, before it is too late,” he added.

Meanwhile, according to Al Jazeera, Ukraine and the United States have indicated they will meet in Saudi Arabia next week to discuss a framework for ending Russia’s war.

Zelenskyy said on Thursday that he would travel to Saudi Arabia on Monday for a meeting with Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman before bilateral talks with US officials.

US envoy Steve Witkoff confirmed he would meet Ukrainian officials in Saudi Arabia, signalling that he would discuss an “initial ceasefire” and a “framework” for a longer agreement, as per Al Jazeera. Saudi Arabia’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs said the talks would take place in the Red Sea city of Jeddah.

Notably, after a fiery exchange with his Ukrainian counterpart, Volodymyr Zelenskyy, on March 1, Trump suspended military aid and intelligence sharing with Kyiv.

Trump used some strong words during his media interaction with Zelenskyy, telling the visiting leader that he “does not have the cards” and is not “acting thankful” for the support the United States has provided to Ukraine in its war with Russia, which began in February 2022. (ANI)

International Women’s Day: Six Exceptional Women Share Journeys On PM Modi’s X handle

Demonstrating his unwavering commitment to women’s empowerment, Prime Minister Narendra Modi, in a groundbreaking initiative, handed over his social media accounts to six inspiring women on the occasion of International Women’s Day, the Prime Minister’s office said.

This unique step has given the unique opportunity to these exceptional women to share their remarkable journeys, achievements, and challenges with the nation.

These women hail from different corners of the country encompassing South, North, East, West and Central regions. Vaishali Rameshbabu from Chennai, Tamil Nadu, Dr Anjlee Agarwal from Delhi, Anita Devi from Nalanda, Bihar, Elina Mishra from Bhubaneswar, Odisha, Ajaita Shah hailing from Rajasthan, and Shilpi Soni from Sagar, Madhya Pradesh.

While 4 women presented their experiences individually, two of them – Shilpi and Elina – shared their inspiring journey jointly. These women represent various diverse spheres including sports, rural entrepreneurship, science & technology and more.

Vaishali Rameshbabu – A chess prodigy, Vaishali has been competing at the highest level since the age of six. Her dedication to the game culminated in her achieving the prestigious title of Chess Grandmaster in 2023. She continues to make India proud on the global stage with her strategic brilliance and perseverance.

In a post from PM Modi’s handle, Vaishali said, “I am @chess Vaishali and I am thrilled to be taking over our PM Thiru @NarendraModi Ji’s social media properties and that too on WomensDay. As many of you would know, I play chess and I feel very proud to be representing our beloved country in many tournaments. I was born on 21st June, which coincidentally is now popular as International Yoga Day. I’ve been playing chess since the age of 6! Playing chess has been a learning, thrilling and rewarding journey for me, reflecting in many of my tournament and Olympiad successes. But there is more.”

Anita Devi – Overcoming the barriers of poverty and adversity, Anita Devi, popularly known as “Mushroom Lady of Bihar”, took a bold step towards self-sufficiency by establishing the Madhopur Farmers Producers Company in 2016. Through mushroom cultivation, she has not only uplifted but has also created employment opportunities for hundreds of rural women, paving the way for financial independence and economic empowerment.

In a post from PM Modi’s handle, Anita Devi said, “I am Anita Devi, resident of Anantapur village of Nalanda district. I have seen a lot of struggle in life. But I always wanted to do something on my own. In 2016, I decided to become self-employed. During that period, the craze for start-ups had increased so much. That is why 9 years ago I also established my Madhopur Farmers Producer Company Limited.

She shared her story of moving towards self-reliance through mushroom production, saying that the startup made her path easier and also made hundreds of women self-reliant.

“Today, I am working to take my family forward through mushroom production. I have not only made my path easier but have also made hundreds of women self-reliant by giving them employment opportunities. Now my company also provides essential items like fertilizers, seeds and pesticides to farmers at cheap rates. Today, hundreds of women working in this company are getting a life of self-respect along with a livelihood,’ the post further reads.

Elina Mishra & Shilpi Soni – These two distinguished scientists exemplify the contributions of Indian women in cutting-edge research and technology. Elina Mishra is a nuclear scientist at Bhabha Atomic Research Centre (BARC), Mumbai, while Shilpi Soni is a distinguished space scientist at the Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO).

In a post from PM Modi’s handle, Elina Mishra & Shilpi Soni said, “Space technology, nuclear technology and women empowerment… We are Elina Mishra, a nuclear scientist and Shilpi Soni, a space scientist and we are thrilled to be helming the PM’s social media properties on #WomensDay. Our message- India is the most vibrant place for science and thus, we call upon more women to pursue it.”

“Both of us, Elina and Shilpi are seeing the wide range of opportunities opening up in our respective sectors. It was unimaginable that a sector like nuclear technology would offer so many opportunities for women in India. Similarly, the increasing participation of women and the private sector in the world of space makes India the most happening place to innovate and grow! Indian women surely have the talent and India surely has the right platform! Read on to know more about our individual work too,” the post added.

Ajaita Shah – As the Founder & CEO of Frontier Markets, Ajaita is transforming rural entrepreneurship by empowering over 35,000 digitally enabled women entrepreneurs. Her initiative helps these women become self-reliant business owners and last-mile distributors of essential goods and services, bridging the gap between rural markets and economic growth.

In a post from PM Modi’s handle, Ajaita Shah said, “A financially empowered woman is a confident decision-maker, independent thinker, architect of her own future and a maker of modern India! And, our nation is taking the lead in building financially empowered women. I, @Ajaita_Shah, am really delighted to be handling PM @narendramodi Ji’s social media handles on #WomensDay. I am the Founder and CEO of Frontier Markets.”

“One issue that remained close to my heart was the challenges women face in rural areas. These challenges could be financial, access to infrastructure and more. Thus, I have spent the last two decades to mitigate this. And, I feel proud that not only have I been able to make a difference, I am also seeing many more women rising to the occasion and doing the same,” the post further read.

Dr Anjlee Agarwal – A leading advocate for universal accessibility, Dr. Agarwal is the founder of Samarthyam Centre for Universal Accessibility. With a career spanning three decades, she has dedicated her life to ensuring inclusive mobility and barrier-free infrastructure. Her efforts have been instrumental in making schools and public spaces across India more accessible for people with disabilities.

In a post from PM Modi’s handle, Dr Anjlee Agarwal said, “Namaste India and Happy #WomensDay. I am Dr. @access_anjlee, founder of @samarthyam Centre for Universal Accessibility. Through PM @narendramodi’s social media handle, which I have the honour of taking over today, I want to ignite a spark of transformation, and seek a call to action- forget labels, forget barriers…lets strengthen Sugamya Bharat and make it an important precursor to a Viksit Bharat. Let’s ensure that every woman, every individual, can navigate their life with dignity and independence. Let us build on the recent gains and improve lives for persons with disabilities.”

“Here is more about myself- for over three decades, I’ve worked on universal accessibility and inclusive mobility. These sectors are integral to creating inclusive spaces. Based on my experience of the recent past, I am positive that accessibility and mobility are no longer remaining only in words but have been seamlessly assimilated with other aspects of governance,” the post further read.

Each of these exceptional women embodies the spirit of Nari Shakti, demonstrating that women are not just participants but pioneers in shaping Viksit Bharat. Their remarkable contributions reinforce the idea that Indian women are breaking barriers, achieving excellence, and shaping the country’s future. (ANI)

Javed Akhtar Slams Jamaat Head For Roza-Related Remarks On Shami

Poet and lyricist Javed Akhtar came out in support of Indian cricketer Mohammed Shami, who has been at the centre of controversy after the President of All India Muslim Jamaat, Maulana Shahabuddin Razvi Bareilvi, called the Indian pacer “a criminal” for not observing ‘Roza’ during Ramzan.

Javed Akhtar advised the cricketer to ignore the remarks of people who have a problem with him for drinking water during a hot afternoon at a cricket field in Dubai.

The controversy arose after the Indian pacer was spotted drinking an energy drink on the cricket field during a match between India and Australia at the Champions Trophy 2025 in Dubai on Tuesday.

Taking to his Twitter handle, Javed Akshtar wrote,

“Shami saheb, don’t give a damn to those reactionary bigoted idiots who have any problem with your drinking water in a burning afternoon at a cricket field in Dubai. It is none of their business. You are one of the great Indian team that is making us all proud. My best wishes to you and our whole team.”

Right-arm seamer Mohammed Shami’s cousin, Mumtaz, came out in support of his brother and said that he is playing for the country and called the people “shameful” who are blaming the cricketer for not keeping the “Roza”.

“He is playing for the country. There are many Pakistani players who have not kept ‘Roza’ and are playing matches, so this is nothing new. It is very shameful that such things are being said about him. We will tell Mohammed Shami not to pay attention to these things and prepare for the match on March 9,” Mumtaz told ANI.

Shami, who played a key role in India’s victory with figures of 3/48 in 10 overs, has now climbed to the second spot in the list of highest wicket-takers. So far in the mega event, the speedster has grabbed eight wickets in four matches at an average of 19.88.

The controversy arose after the President of All India Muslim Jamaat, Maulana Shahabuddin Razvi Bareilvi called Indian-cricketer Mohammed Shami “a criminal” for not observing ‘Roza’ during Ramzan while speaking with ANI.

He said, “By not keeping ‘Roza’ he (Mohammed Shami) has committed a crime. He should not do this. In the eyes of Shariat, he is a criminal. He will have to answer God.”

“One of the compulsory duties is ‘Roza’ (fasting)…If any healthy man or woman doesn’t observe ‘Roza’, they will be a big criminal. A famous cricket personality of India, Mohammed Shami had water or some other beverage during a match.” Maulana Bareilvi said.

“People were watching him. If he is playing, it means he is healthy. In such a condition, he did not observe ‘Roza’ and even had water…This sends a wrong message among people,” he said.

Ramzan is the most sacred month in the Islamic calendar that falls in the ninth month of the Hijri (the Islamic lunar calendar). During this holy period, Muslims observe fasting from dawn until sunset, a practice called Roza, which is one of the five pillars of Islam, signifying values of devotion, self-restraint, and spiritual contemplation. (ANI)

‘Where Is The Money?’: Sandeep Dixit Picks Holes In BJP Financial Aid Schemes

Congress leader Sandeep Dikshit on Saturday questioned the implementation of the BJP’s financial aid scheme of providing Rs 2,500 per month to women in Delhi and said that the scheme compromises 60 per cent of the national capital’s budget.

“If they fulfil that promise, we will welcome it. However, there is only one question: Where will the funds for this come from? The BJP had said that every woman above the age of 18 would be given this honour. If we go by the Election Commission’s data, there were approximately 72 lakh female voters in Delhi. The total cost for this comes to around Rs 21,600 crore. Now, considering the entire development budget is 37,000 crore, which includes hospitals, schools, and subsidies, how can you allocate around 60 percent of the budget to just one scheme?” Dikshit told ANI.

“I hope that the money spent by the Delhi government will not compromise development,” the Congress leader said.

Earlier, Aam Aadmi Party leader and Delhi MLA Gopal Rai criticized the Bharatiya Janata Party on Thursday for not fulfilling the promises made before the Assembly elections, urging the Delhi government to implement the financial aid scheme of providing Rs 2,500 per month to women in Delhi, also called the Mahila Samriddhi Yojana.

“Before the elections, BJP had promised, so the people of Delhi want the budget to be prepared based on that. The first guarantee was to give women of Delhi Rs 2,500, and they had said that by 8th March, women would get the financial aid in their accounts,” Gopal Rai told ANI.

Atishi had earlier, along with AAP MLAs and volunteers, staged a protest against the BJP-led Delhi government on this issue.

Notably, in the run-up to the Delhi Assembly elections, BJP had promised a cash transfer scheme–the Mahila Samriddhi Yojana–to transfer rupees 2,500 to the accounts of all women in the national capital. (ANI)