Departments Disown AAP’s Key Schemes Amid Delhi Poll Campaign; Kejriwal Alleges Political Vendetta

In a major twist during the Aam Aadmi Party's (AAP) campaign for the Delhi Assembly elections, the city’s Health and Family Welfare Department and Women and Child Development Department have flagged two prominent AAP initiatives—the Sanjeevani Yojana and Mahila Samman Yojana—as non-existent.

The Sanjeevani Yojana, launched by AAP to provide free medical treatment for citizens aged 60 and above, and the Mahila Samman Yojana, which promises ₹2,100 monthly support for women, have been disowned by the respective departments. Public notices issued by the departments have warned residents against sharing personal details or signing documents under the guise of these schemes, calling such activities "fraudulent."

The health department stated that it has no knowledge of the Sanjeevani scheme and has not authorized anyone to collect personal data or issue related cards. Similarly, the Women and Child Development Department clarified that the Mahila Samman Yojana has not been notified and warned against the misuse of public trust.

Shortly after the notices, AAP leader Arvind Kejriwal alleged political interference by the BJP-led central government. He claimed the schemes have "rattled" opponents, accusing the Centre of planning raids and arrests of AAP leaders.

AAP sources, however, claim robust public support, with 1.5 lakh registrations for Sanjeevani Yojana and 13 lakh for Mahila Samman Yojana so far. AAP workers are reportedly conducting doorstep registrations at a pace of 5 lakh daily.

The controversy unfolds against the backdrop of an ongoing power struggle between Delhi's elected government and the Centre. Despite a 2022 Supreme Court ruling granting the Delhi government control over services, a subsequent ordinance established the National Capital Civil Services Authority, effectively curtailing AAP's control over key bureaucratic decisions.