AAP expands sops for women ahead of Delhi polls, following recent election trends

The announcement to enhance the benefits of the Mahila Samman Yojana is also a calculated move to combat mounting anti-incumbency in Delhi.

Ahead of the 2025 Delhi Assembly elections, the Aam Aadmi Party’s announcement to enhance the amount under the Mahila Samman Yojana reflects a calculated political and socio-economic strategy aimed at strengthening its voter base among women. Under this scheme, women aged 18 and above, meeting specific income criteria, will receive Rs 2,100 as monthly assistance. This initiative, expected to benefit around 45 to 50 lakh women, aligns with AAP’s broader emphasis on social welfare and empowerment programs, positioning the party as a champion of economic equality for women.

The announcement is made with the upcoming Delhi Assembly polls in mind. It highlights AAP’s effort to fortify its appeal amid challenges posed by national parties like the BJP. By focusing on direct cash benefits, AAP taps into the transformative potential of economic independence for women, aiming to translate this policy into electoral gains.

The initiative also underlines the party’s strategy of leveraging Delhi’s robust fiscal health to deliver high-impact, populist schemes without imposing additional tax burdens. As Delhi’s per capita income has risen substantially, AAP is projecting itself as a government that prioritises citizens’ welfare through “efficient and honest governance”.

Women Vote Bank in Focus

In the ever-evolving landscape of Indian politics, a silent revolution is reshaping electoral outcomes – the emergence of women as a decisive voting bloc. The phenomenon, particularly visible in Delhi, marks a significant shift in political strategy and governance. Recent electoral patterns across Maharashtra, Jharkhand, and West Bengal have demonstrated an unmistakable trend: parties that prioritise women-centric policies, especially direct cash transfers, are reaping electoral dividends. This pattern has not gone unnoticed in Delhi's political circles.

The transformation in Delhi's political landscape is particularly fascinating. In 2015, the Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) faced a peculiar challenge – while commanding a strong lead among male voters, it struggled to capture women's support, trailing behind the BJP in this crucial demographic. The party's strategic response was swift and comprehensive: introducing free bus travel for women, installing CCTV cameras for enhanced security, and deploying women marshals in public transport. By 2020, these initiatives had dramatically altered the political equation. Women voters, constituting over 40% of Delhi's electorate, threw their weight behind AAP in unprecedented numbers. The party's latest move – increasing the Mahila Samman Yojana payment from Rs 1,000 to Rs 2,100 monthly – further cements its commitment to women's economic empowerment.

This shift reflects a broader understanding in Indian politics: women voters are no longer passive participants but active agents of change. AAP's evolution from a party struggling with women voters to one championing their cause through concrete policy measures illustrates how political survival increasingly hinges on addressing women's concerns.

As we look ahead, it's clear that any political force hoping to succeed in Delhi—or indeed, across India—must recognise and respond to women's growing electoral influence. The days of treating women's issues as peripheral concerns are firmly behind us.

Countering Anti-Incumbency Sentiment

The announcement to enhance the benefits of the Mahila Samman Yojana is also a calculated move to combat mounting anti-incumbency in Delhi. Since their sweeping victory in the 2020 assembly elections, the Kejriwal-led government has struggled to deliver on several high-profile promises. While the pandemic disrupted governance, the subsequent involvement of top AAP leaders, including Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal, in the excise policy controversy further derailed progress.

Many of Kejriwal’s key pledges—such as cleaning the Yamuna River and providing 24×7 water supply to every household—remain unfulfilled. In his absence, governance challenges have deepened. Delhi has witnessed deteriorating road conditions, frequent power cuts, and a worsening water crisis. These issues have fuelled discontent among residents, especially in the wake of perceived mismanagement.

The anti-incumbency sentiment is palpable, and the AAP government is clearly trying to regain lost ground. By targeting women voters and the economically vulnerable lower-middle and working classes—AAP’s core vote bank—the Mahila Samman Yojana benefits are designed to rebuild trust and shore up support. Whether this strategy succeeds in offsetting years of unmet promises remains to be seen, but it highlights AAP’s recognition of the challenges it faces.

Strengthening Electoral Strategy

Before the 2020 Delhi assembly elections, the AAP rode a wave of strategic advantages. A host of popular initiatives like free electricity and free bus rides for women, the party had a solid narrative. However, as the 2025 elections loom, AAP’s governance has been marked by stagnation, with few new schemes or policies to showcase.

This vacuum necessitated a flagship initiative to reinvigorate their electoral strategy—enter the Mahila Samman Yojana. Designed to appeal not just to women but to a broad demographic spectrum, the scheme is a calculated attempt to win back trust. Crucially, being a new initiative, it steers clear of the controversies plaguing other AAP projects. Allegations of financial mismanagement surrounding school construction, bus procurement, and Mohalla Clinics have dented the party’s credibility, leaving them vulnerable to opposition attacks.

By launching a fresh, controversy-free scheme, the AAP aims to reset the narrative. The Mahila Samman Yojana is not merely a policy; it’s a political tool to counter accusations of corruption and governance failures. Whether it succeeds in offsetting the growing disenchantment remains to be seen, but its strategic significance is undeniable.

Addressing Economic Disparities

The introduction of the Mukhyamantri Mahila Samman Yojana, offering Rs 1,000 monthly to eligible women, exemplifies the party’s commitment to uplift women. This initiative seeks to provide financial assistance, enhance the quality of life for women, and boost their economic independence.

AAP’s strategy reflects a broader trend in Indian politics, where parties are increasingly recognising the electoral significance of women voters and introducing targeted schemes to address their needs. However, for holistic empowerment, this initiative should be part of a broader strategy encompassing various facets of women’s welfare.