AAP welfare spree in Punjab draws election-timing barbs

The Story in Brief

With Punjab's Assembly election due in early 2027, the Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) government has launched a string of welfare schemes, drawing opposition charges that the timing is electoral. On July 1, the state began its 'Mukh Mantri Mawan Dhian Satikar Yojna', paying Rs 1,000 a month to general-category women above 18 and Rs 1,500 to those from Scheduled Castes, a 2022 poll promise. The Hindu reports Congress leader Randeep Surjewala called it an 'election trick' and asked how Punjab, needing Rs 21,472 crore a year, can fund it.

The AAP says the schemes reflect genuine intent and has begun booth-level drives. Manish Sisodia, AAP's Punjab in-charge, is holding district meetings to take the government's work to households. Finance Minister Harpal Cheema told The Hindu the AAP is the first government to guarantee free healthcare, education, electricity and bus travel for women, and that adequate funds are arranged. Earlier this year, the government launched the Mukh Mantri Sehat Yojna (free treatment up to Rs 10 lakh per family) and Meri Rasoi Yojna (free quarterly kitchen kits).