Defending Delhi government’s Mukhyamantri Mahila Samman Yojna (MMSY), AAP Chief Arvind Kejriwal on Friday said that it was his party who talked about the concept of providing financial assistance to underprivileged women first in the country. Speaking at Agenda Aaj Tak, Kejriwal highlighted AAP’s work on education, healthcare, and electricity.

When asked about the financial aid of Rs 1,000 per month for women beneficiaries announced by the AAP government, Kejriwal dismissed claims that it was inspired by the BJP’s Ladli Behna Yojana in Madhya Pradesh. “Please check your facts. We announced it in February,” he said, noting that the scheme was delayed due to his arrest earlier this year. He promised to increase the amount to Rs 2,100 if AAP retains power in the upcoming Delhi polls.

“The hope we have fostered in people is built on our work,” Kejriwal said, citing the transformation of Delhi’s schools, the success of mohalla clinics, and 24-hour electricity supply. He added, “Every election is different, but we are confident the people appreciate our work.”

He said due to obstacles he was unable to fulfil poll promises, including cleaning the Yamuna River, providing clean water via tap and improving roads. “I will go to the people and ask for one more chance to complete my work,” Kejriwal said.

Responding to criticism about AAP’s governance in the Municipal Corporation of Delhi (MCD), he noted, “We ensured salaries for safai karamcharis and made 8,500 of them permanent. When we took over MCD, it was in a poor state.”

Reflecting on AAP’s achievements, Kejriwal highlighted the reduction of power cuts from eight to ten hours daily in 2014 to nearly zero since AAP took over the governance. “Despite the challenges posed by the Lieutenant Governor, the Prime Minister, and the Home Minister, we built schools and healthcare systems,” he said.