Another Jumla’: Critics Question BJP’s ₹20,000 Pledge To UP Women Ahead Of Elections

Uttar Pradesh: The BJP’s announcement of ₹20,000 for women in Uttar Pradesh has drawn sharp criticism, with opposition leaders calling it an “election jumla” and questioning the timing of the promise.

What The Criticism Says:

Critics allege that the BJP has “nothing left to win elections except money”, and that the funds being promised come from years of neglect of women’s welfare schemes.The statement claims that if the government was serious about giving ₹50,000 per year, it could have done so in the last 10 years. Instead, it alleges that funds meant for women’s rights were spent on promotion. At ₹50,000 per year for 10 years, the statement argues women are owed ₹5 lakh each. Offering ₹20,000 now is described as just 4% of that amount, with the opposition calling it a “96:4 record of corruption.”

It further alleges that in other states where similar cash promises were made, governments are now *hesitating to pay or even demanding the money back*, and taking police/court action against women who cannot return it.

Key Allegations:

Unpaid dues: Claims women are still owed ₹4,80,000 per person even after the ₹20,000 promise

Lack of trust: Says BJP workers and leaders have “gone underground” due to fear of public anger

Moral ground lost: Cites incidents like temple thefts and attacks on children as reasons the party is now “taking the support of money”

Counter-Promise:

The statement ends with a counter-announcement: “We will start with ₹40,000, with an increase every year.”The BJP has not yet responded to these allegations. The ₹20,000 scheme for UP women was announced as part of the party’s outreach ahead of upcoming elections.