In a charged winter session of the Delhi Assembly, Lieutenant Governor Vinai Kumar Saxena presented a robust defence of the Bharatiya Janata Party-led government's first ten months in power. He asserted that the administration had broken the "inertia and negativity" of the past decade with decisive actions on critical fronts like pollution control, infrastructure, and social welfare.
A Clash of Narratives in the Assembly
The address was marked by dramatic protests from the opposition Aam Aadmi Party (AAP). Several AAP MLAs entered the house wearing gas masks to underscore the severity of Delhi's ongoing air quality crisis. Their attempts to interrupt the Lieutenant Governor's speech prompted Assembly Speaker Vijender Gupta to order them out. Subsequently, four AAP legislators were suspended for the remainder of the session.
Following constitutional practice, the LG's address outlines the elected government's policy agenda. Saxena contrasted the current administration's approach with the previous AAP government's, which he described as relying on limited "seasonal measures." He detailed a comprehensive Air Pollution Mitigation Plan launched in June 2025, designed as a year-round strategy focusing on prevention, technology, enforcement, and public participation.
Key Initiatives and Budgetary Focus
Saxena highlighted that the BJP government had presented a budget of Rs 1 lakh crore, sharply focused on ten priority sectors. On the environmental front, he listed specific measures including mechanised sweeping, anti-smog guns, and a 'no PUCC, no fuel' policy. The government has also set up three automated testing stations that checked the fitness of 2.5 lakh vehicles and provided Rs 2,300 crore in financial assistance to the MCD for mechanised waste management.
He singled out the condition of the Yamuna River, blaming its "deplorable" state on "years of neglect and pollution" under the previous regime. Saxena stated that rejuvenating the river is a top priority, with plans for new sewage treatment plants (STPs) and upgrades to existing infrastructure to treat all polluting drains.
Healthcare, Education, and Ease of Business
In healthcare, the government has implemented the Ayushman Bharat scheme, issuing over 6.7 lakh health cards, with more than 2.6 lakh for senior citizens, and empanelling 188 hospitals. Under the PM-ABHIM scheme, 238 Ayushman Arogya Mandirs are being operationalised.
Education received a significant 19% share of the budget. Key initiatives include a new law to regulate private school fees, establishing 100 Dr. APJ Abdul Kalam language labs, and setting up 75 CM SHRI schools.
To boost the economy, the government has eased business regulations by allowing shops and commercial establishments (except liquor shops) to operate 24x7. It has simplified licence procedures and consolidated 29 labour laws into four codes.
Infrastructure Push and Governance Shift
The infrastructure budget was doubled to nearly Rs 28,000 crore. This funds the induction of over 3,500 electric buses, a plan for 36,000 charging points, the push for Metro Phase-IV, and the renovation of 150 km of roads. Drainage reforms, Atal Canteens, and water supply augmentation were also highlighted.
Concluding his address, Saxena stated that the breadth and pace of these initiatives reflect a decisive shift in governance, aimed at making Delhi cleaner, more efficient, and future-ready.
