Leader of the Opposition in the Delhi Legislative Assembly, Atishi, has urged Speaker Vijender Gupta to allocate the next three days exclusively for discussions on the Budget. In a letter sent on Wednesday, she emphasized the importance of thorough deliberation on the Annual Budget Estimate 2025-26, which was presented by Delhi Chief Minister Rekha Gupta.
“The Annual Budget Estimate is the most significant document laid before any Assembly. After its presentation, it is followed by several days of discussion, where legislators from both sides present their views, and the Finance Minister responds before the Budget is finally passed. This discussion is not only essential for legislators but is also closely watched by voters in Delhi and across the country,” Atishi wrote.
She expressed concern over the current agenda, noting that the ‘List of Business’ contained multiple items, leaving barely an hour for Budget discussions. “It was expected that the remaining three days of the session would be primarily devoted to the Budget discussion. However, with so many agenda items, it appears that the Government is avoiding a detailed discussion on the Budget,” she added.
Atishi also criticized the Government for not providing clarity on the time allocated for Budget discussions. “How can a Budget be discussed in this manner? Will an Assembly of 70 MLAs spend just one hour on the Annual Budget? It seems the Government wants to evade a detailed discussion. First, they disregarded parliamentary precedents by not tabling the Economic Survey before the Budget. Now, they are squeezing the discussion between various other issues,” she remarked.
She further suggested that the remaining discussions and legislative business could be postponed to March 28 to allow adequate time for Budget deliberations. “It seems as if the Government wants to conceal something. What economic data and analysis in the Economic Survey are they hesitant to reveal? As Speaker, it is your responsibility to uphold the sanctity of parliamentary procedures. I request that the next two days be dedicated solely to the Budget discussion, with other business rescheduled for March 28 or the session extended if necessary,” she urged.
On Monday, Delhi Chief Minister Rekha Gupta hailed the budget as a “historic” initiative to transform Delhi into an investment and innovation-friendly city. With a total allocation of Rs 1 lakh crore, the budget aims to boost growth, development, and the quality of life for Delhi’s residents.
The budget has witnessed a significant increase of 31.58% from the previous year, rising from Rs 76,000 crore to Rs 1 lakh crore. “This is the biggest increase in any budget in the country,” said Gupta, highlighting allocations for key sectors like education, transport, and urban development.