AAP and Congress Launch Scathing Attack on Delhi Budget 2026-27, Term It 'Anti-People'
The Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) and the Congress party on Tuesday launched a fierce criticism of the Delhi Budget for the fiscal year 2026-27, describing it as "anti-people" and "detached from public concerns." In a significant protest move, AAP MLAs boycotted the first day of the budget session, demanding the immediate revocation of the suspension of four of its legislators.
Opposition Leaders Highlight Governance Failures and Budget Deficiencies
Leader of Opposition Atishi delivered a powerful indictment of the BJP-led government, pointing to a tragic incident in Palam to underscore systemic failures. "A massive budget of 1 lakh crore, but what could be more shameful than this - that BJP government's fire department doesn't even have a single 'ladder' for operations," she stated. "In Palam, nine people kept crying out for help, the vehicle was there, but the system failed and they lost their lives. This isn't just negligence; it's a betrayal of the people." Atishi warned the BJP that while they could expel opposition members from the House, they could not silence the voice of Delhi's citizens.
AAP MLA Sanjeev Jha raised serious concerns about the budget's environmental commitments, noting the absence of clear timelines for initiatives like Yamuna cleaning. He also questioned the government's allocation of Rs 5,100 crore for providing Rs 2,500 to women before March 8, 2025, which was never disbursed. "The same allocation has been repeated this year, which raises doubts about its implementation. What is the use of such announcements if they remain on paper?" Jha argued, highlighting a pattern of unfulfilled promises.
Congress Labels Budget a 'Triple Deception' by 'Triple Engine Government'
Delhi Congress president Devender Yadav branded the budget a "triple deception" by a "triple engine government," accusing it of failing to address the city's key challenges. "The budget is heavy on announcements but weak on delivery. A significant portion of last year's budget remained unspent, which is evidence of governance incompetence," Yadav asserted. He pointed out a decline in central assistance and revenue from centrally-sponsored schemes, warning that increased reliance on GST/VAT collections and borrowings would burden Delhi residents.
Yadav further criticized the government's "green budget" claim as misleading, noting that allocations for environment-related sectors had actually been reduced. "There is a lack of a clear roadmap on key issues like Yamuna cleaning, garbage management, and drinking water because the BJP government lacks direction," he said. Yadav listed several schemes announced without implementation, including free laptops for students, women welfare schemes, startup initiatives, and skill development programs.
BJP Defends Budget as Historic and Self-Reliant
In response, Delhi BJP president Virendra Sachdeva defended the budget, stating it would take Delhi to new horizons by "bringing benefits for every section of society." "This record budget is the largest in Delhi's history, in which the government's own revenue will meet about 74% of the expenditure and the remaining 26% has planned heads - meaning it is a self-reliant budget," Sachdeva explained. He emphasized that over 31% of the budget is dedicated to the maintenance and development of education and health services, calling it a budget for a developed Delhi.
Suspension of AAP MLAs Sparks Democratic Concerns
Meanwhile, Atishi wrote a letter to Speaker Vijender Gupta, demanding the immediate revocation of the suspension of four AAP MLAs: Sanjeev Jha, Kuldeep Kumar, Jarnail Singh, and Som Dutt. "The continued exclusion of elected representatives is an assault on democratic norms and the mandate of the people," Atishi argued, adding that all opposition MLAs would join the budget session once the "arbitrary" suspension is lifted.
Speaker Vijender Gupta countered that the decision was not arbitrary but a necessary consequence of their continued agitation and misbehavior during the solemn occasion of the Lieutenant Governor's address. This standoff underscores the deepening political rift in Delhi's legislative proceedings.
