'Dear BJP, Why Do You Hate Delhi?': Kejriwal Govt Unhappy As Centre Stalls Free Ration Scheme

The scheme claimed to benefit as many as 72 lakh people of the national capital, but AAP said that Lieutenant Governor Anil Baijal rejected the file citing absence of Centre's approval.

New Delhi: Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal-led Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) on Thursday alleged that Centre has stopped its ambitious doorstep delivery of ration scheme that was set to be launched in Delhi in the days to come. 

As per Delhi government, all preparations for doorstep delivery of ration scheme for people of Delhi were in place and it was scheduled to rollout from next week.

"In March, BJP promised Home Delivery of Ration in Tamil Nadu. Today, BJP has stopped Home Delivery of Ration in Delhi. Dear @BJP4India, we once again ask you - Why do you hate Delhi?," AAP tweeted with a hashtag #ModiProtectsRationMafia.

The scheme claimed to benefit as many as 72 lakh people of the national capital, but AAP said that Lieutenant Governor Anil Baijal rejected the file citing an ongoing legal case and the absence of the Centre's approval.

Earlier today, Chief Miniter's office issued a statement claiming that no approval from the Centre is required for such a scheme like this. It also pointed out that the ongoing legal case too cannot stall the case as they are no such order from the court.

Meanwhile, Delhi food minister Imran Hussain said the decision to stall the scheme is politically motivated.

Delhi government, in May, announced that it will provide free ration to all ration cardholders in the national capital for the next two months. 

The scheme by Delhi government allowed distribution of 5 kg of foodgrains (4 kg wheat and 1 kg rice) per person, free of cost, for the months of May and June 2021, to non-PDS beneficiaries who do not possess any ration card.