Giridih, October 6, 2024: In a significant political controversy, the Social Security Director of Giridih, Appu Kaushik, has labeled the BJP’s much-touted “Gogo Didi” scheme as fake and misleading.
His public statement on the matter has led to a sharp response from former BJP MLA Nirbhay Shahabadi, who has accused the Hemant Soren-led government of attempting to derail a beneficial scheme aimed at empowering women.
This unfolding political drama has drawn public attention and caused a stir in the local political landscape.
Giridih Social Security Director Labels BJP’s Gogo Didi Scheme Fake
The controversy erupted on Monday when Appu Kaushik, Director of Social Security in Giridih, issued an official order dismissing the BJP’s claim regarding the “Gogo Didi” scheme.
The directive explicitly stated that the scheme, which the BJP claimed to have launched for women empowerment, does not exist under the Hemant Soren government and that it is a fabricated and misleading initiative.
The order further asked the public to disregard any claims related to the program.
This declaration was swiftly followed by an outraged response from former BJP MLA Nirbhay Shahabadi, who described the director’s statement as politically motivated and orchestrated by the ruling government.
Nirbhay Shahabadi claims that the scheme was part of a broader effort by the BJP to support women in Jharkhand and he has vowed to escalate the matter to the Election Commission for further investigation.
Background and Political Implications
The “Gogo Didi” scheme was introduced by the BJP as part of its effort to empower rural women through skill development, financial assistance and employment opportunities.
BJP leaders have presented the scheme as a pathway for women to achieve financial independence and contribute to household income.
The scheme was intended to target thousands of women across Jharkhand, providing them with resources to start small-scale businesses.
However, Social Security Director Appu Kaushik’s statement has thrown cold water on these claims.
In an official letter issued from his office, Kaushik categorically denied the existence of such a scheme, calling it “a false narrative created for political gain.”
The letter stated that no financial disbursements or other forms of support would be issued under the Gogo Didi scheme and urged the public to be cautious of “misleading propaganda.”
The director’s strong words have sparked intense political debate in the region, with many questioning the timing and intent behind the statement.
Given that local elections are just around the corner, the controversy has taken on a deeper political dimension, with both the BJP and the ruling Jharkhand Mukti Morcha (JMM) using the issue to advance their respective narratives.
Response from Former MLA Shahabadi and Local BJP Leadership
Former BJP MLA Nirbhay Shahabadi has been at the forefront of the backlash.
Expressing his outrage, Nirbahy Shahabadi has accused the Hemant Soren government of orchestrating a political attack against the BJP’s pro-women agenda.
He alleges that the local Social Security Director’s statement was made under pressure from state officials who are keen to diminish BJP’s influence ahead of upcoming elections.
In a public address, Shahabadi said, “The Gogo Didi scheme was initiated to uplift women by giving them opportunities to become self-reliant. It is unfortunate that the current government, under the influence of vested interests, is trying to malign this initiative. We will take this issue up with the Election Commission and ensure that justice is served to the people of Jharkhand.”
Nirbahy Shahabadi’s comments have been echoed by several other BJP leaders in Giridih, who have called for an inquiry into the motives behind the Social Security Director’s statement.
They argue that the scheme is legitimate and that the government’s attempt to dismiss it is part of a broader strategy to undermine the BJP’s efforts to connect with rural voters, especially women.
Statements from Local Authorities and the Administration
In the wake of the controversy, local administrative bodies have tried to maintain neutrality.
When asked for a comment, Giridih District Commissioner Naman Priyesh Lakra denied any knowledge of the letter issued by the Social Security Director, stating that he was not aware of any such scheme being operational in the district.
He deferred questions to the Social Security Department for further clarification.
Despite the confusion, Social Security Director Appu Kaushik remains firm in his stance.
“There is no such scheme under our jurisdiction and no funds have been allocated for any such initiative. The public should be cautious of false claims, especially those circulated for political purposes,” he reiterated in a press release.
The local administration’s reluctance to fully engage in the matter has led to widespread speculation, with many suggesting that this issue could escalate in the run-up to the elections.
This incident, involving the BJP and local administrative bodies, has caught significant attention in political circles and among the public.
The terms “BJP Gogo Didi scheme fake,” “Giridih Social Security Director,” and “BJP MLA Shahabadi on Gogo Didi” have been trending in local discussions and the controversy is likely to influence political campaigns in the area.
For the BJP, the “Gogo Didi” scheme represented a major initiative for connecting with rural women voters.
As part of the party’s larger political strategy, the scheme aimed to promote women’s empowerment and self-sufficiency. However, this latest setback threatens to dent BJP’s political momentum in Jharkhand, and leaders are working swiftly to contain the damage.
On the other hand, the Hemant Soren government has distanced itself from the controversy, maintaining that it had no role in promoting or endorsing the Gogo Didi scheme, which it deems non-existent.
By positioning itself as a neutral party, the ruling government has successfully kept the focus on the BJP’s claims, forcing the opposition party to justify its stance.
Conclusion
The ongoing debate surrounding the legitimacy of the Gogo Didi scheme has brought the issue to the forefront of local political discourse.
While the BJP remains adamant that the scheme was genuine and aimed at benefiting women, the Social Security Director’s dismissal of it as fake has caused significant disruption.
As political leaders gear up for elections, this issue is likely to remain in the public eye, with both sides using it as a tool to rally support.
Former MLA Nirbhay Shahabadi has vowed to take the matter to the Election Commission, and it remains to be seen how this will unfold in the coming weeks.
The controversy over the Gogo Didi scheme serves as a reminder of how deeply intertwined political campaigns and public welfare schemes can become in the lead-up to elections.
The coming days will reveal the true extent of the impact this issue will have on the political fortunes of the BJP and its rivals.
