A political controversy has erupted in Delhi over the newly announced ‘Saheli Pink Smart Card’ scheme for free bus travel for women. AAP leader Anurag Dhanda questioned the necessity of introducing a smart card system, alleging irregularities in the implementation process.
Anurag Dhanda: Saheli Pink Smart Card Row Sparks Political War
Dhanda stated that free bus travel for women was already introduced years ago by former Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal. He argued that issuing pink smart cards raises questions about transparency, asking why a company is being paid “hundreds of crores” for card issuance when eligibility is already identifiable.
Delhi unit of the Bharatiya Janata Party defended the initiative
He further demanded a probe into what he termed a potential “scam,” targeting the current Delhi government led by Chief Minister Rekha Gupta. According to Dhanda, the move appears unnecessary and financially questionable.
Meanwhile, the Delhi unit of the Bharatiya Janata Party defended the initiative, describing it as a major Holi gift for women in the capital. The BJP said the Saheli Pink Smart Card aims to ensure safer, more streamlined, and dignified travel for women, branding it as a step toward empowering “Nari Shakti” in a developed Delhi.
Party representatives claimed the smart card system would modernise ticketing, improve accountability, and enhance security tracking within the public transport network.
The issue has quickly turned into a fresh flashpoint between AAP and BJP in the national capital, with both sides trading accusations over governance, transparency, and women-centric welfare schemes. Political observers say the debate is likely to intensify in the coming weeks as implementation details of the card-based system become clearer.
