With West Bengal polls looming, the BJP’s manifesto pledge of Rs 3,000 monthly for women has sparked controversy. NCP (SP) spokesperson Naseem Siddiqui on Saturday branded it as another hollow election gimmick, citing the party’s track record of broken vows.
Speaking to media, Siddiqui recalled Maharashtra’s unkept promise to double Ladki Bahin payments from Rs 1,500 to Rs 3,000 after 2024 elections. ‘They vowed it, but disqualified 80 lakh women. Don’t trust this dishonest regime,’ he warned.
The UCC commitment was labeled a divisive ploy. Siddiqui highlighted inconsistencies: ‘They ban cow slaughter while their states export massive meat volumes—India is world number two post-2014 boom.’
Supporting Bombay High Court’s critique of underfunded welfare schemes, he called for scrapping populist freebies. ‘Taxpayer money is squandered on lollipops. True support means emergency relief for farmers hit by disasters, not breeding a freebie mentality that stalls India’s growth.’
Addressing Nripendra Mishra’s comments on 1990 events, Siddiqui upheld Mulayam Singh’s firm stance, noting Kalyan Singh’s affidavit to protect Babri Masjid, breached by kar sevaks.
Optimistic about Mamata Banerjee’s prospects, Siddiqui urged Bengal voters to see through BJP’s ‘say-do mismatch’ and back proven governance.
