"Mahila Samman Yojana not a part of LS campaign but principle of the party": AAP MP Sandeep Pathak

"We have promised to provide Rs 1000 per month to every woman who is above 18 years old in Punjab. In Delhi, we have already passed this in our budget," he said.

He highlighted that the scheme is a part of the party's principles and working style and has not been launched because of the upcoming Lok Sabha elections in the country.

Speaking on the party's election campaign, Sandeep Pathak said that in Gujarat and Delhi, the campaign has begun, adding to which, he said, "Within two or three days, we will commence the campaign in Punjab as well."

Meanwhile, speaking on the same, Delhi Minister Gopal Rai on Saturday said that the first election campaign of the AAP started today with the 'Townhall of Women'.

Appreciating the Delhi government's move, Gopal Rai said, "Arvind Kejriwal interacted with the women. The women were very excited, particularly about the free DTC bus rides, the free electricity being provided to them, and now even the new scheme of Rs 1000 to be given to women above the age of 18 years."

"The women have even promised Arvind Kejriwal to work for him in Delhi," he added.

Earlier in the day, Kejriwal applauded the Mukhyamantri Mahila Samman Yojana, under which Rs 1,000 will be provided to every woman above 18 years of age for the financial year 2024-25 and said that this is the biggest women's empowerment program in the world.

"In this budget, we have announced a big scheme for the empowerment of women. Till now, scam has been going on in the name of empowerment. Till now, they used to praise a woman from the party and say that women were being empowered. Now I will put a thousand rupees in every woman's purse every month. An empty purse does not do empowerment," the CM added. (ANI)