Atishi Accuses BJP of Cash Distribution in New Delhi; Calls for Immediate Action by EC and ED

Delhi CM Atishi alleges BJP leader Parvesh Verma distributed cash to voters; government issues notices clarifying the legitimacy of welfare schemes.

New Delhi, December 25: In a heated political face-off, Delhi Chief Minister Atishi accused BJP leader Parvesh Verma of distributing cash to voters in the New Delhi Assembly constituency, where Arvind Kejriwal traditionally contests elections. The allegations follow public notices issued by the Delhi government clarifying the legitimacy of two prominent welfare schemes.

During a press conference, Atishi claimed that Parvesh Verma was caught distributing money at his official residence.

“The BJP is distributing money to people by checking their voter cards in the New Delhi assembly constituency, from where Arvind Kejriwal contests elections. Today, Parvesh Verma was caught red-handed giving out money at his official residence, which he received as an MP. Women from various slums in the New Delhi assembly constituency were called there and given Rs 1,100 in an envelope,” Atishi said.

She further alleged that crores of rupees were still present at Verma’s residence and urged the Election Commission (EC) to direct the Enforcement Directorate (ED) and Delhi Police to conduct an immediate raid and arrest him.

“I want to inform the ED and CBI that cash worth crores of rupees is still at Parvesh Verma’s house. I urge the Election Commission to have the ED and Delhi Police raid his official residence and arrest him immediately. The BJP is trying to win a lost election. We will officially lodge a complaint with the police and the Election Commission,” she stated.

Atishi also displayed pamphlets allegedly used for cash distribution, featuring images of Prime Minister Narendra Modi and BJP President JP Nadda.

Government Clarifies Scheme Legitimacy

The controversy unfolded shortly after public notices were issued by two key Delhi government departments, addressing confusion surrounding welfare schemes.

1. Mahila Samman Yojana: A notice from the Department of Women and Child Development clarified that the Mahila Samman Yojana has not been officially notified. It warned that any individual or party collecting data or promising benefits under this scheme is committing fraudulent activity.
2. Sanjeevani Scheme: Similarly, the Health and Family Welfare Department clarified that no scheme exists for providing free treatment to citizens aged over 60 in private and government hospitals. It emphasized that no cards or personal data collection had been authorized under this alleged scheme.

“It is clarified that no such scheme has been notified by the Delhi Government,” the notices stated.

The government highlighted growing concerns over misinformation, with citizens visiting government hospitals and offices to inquire about these fraudulent schemes.

The unfolding controversy underscores heightened tensions ahead of the Delhi Assembly elections, with both AAP and BJP locked in a fierce battle of accusations and counter-claims.