New Delhi, 19th March:
In a special House meeting scheduled for today, the Delhi Municipal Corporation will discuss revising the budgets from 2024-25 and estimates for 2025-26. The opposition is likely to clash with the ruling party, as the Aam Aadmi Party does not currently hold a majority, so there is a chance of disruptions.
Mukesh Goyal, the Leader of the House, is determined to present the budget, while the BJP, led by Leader of Opposition Raja Iqbal Singh, has threatened to block the process. The BJP as an opposition party has been vocal in claiming that AAP is a party that has lost its majority. Their decision to move forward with the budget is illegitimate. The opposition is likely to propose various amendments that could undermine the ruling party’s plans.
The General House meeting on Monday saw heated protests, with BJP councilors chanting slogans against AAP, prompting counter-slogans from AAP members. The session descended into chaos, with members even climbing onto tables, necessitating an adjournment after 10 to 15 minutes. Against this backdrop, today’s proceedings are expected to experience similar disruptions.
A major concern is the Aam Aadmi Party’s (AAP) budget proposal, which allocates Rs 500 crore from the Mayor’s discretionary fund and Rs 300 crore for road maintenance. This move has faced criticism from the opposition and experts, who describe it as a political gimmick designed to gain public support in light of a potential loss of power. Additionally, AAP has proposed making 12,000 temporary employees permanent and has set aside funds for their salaries. The BJP argues that this is a desperate attempt by AAP to win favor before possibly losing control of the corporation.
BJP has put forward 23 amendment proposals, while AAP has proposed 10. Among AAP’s key proposals are tax exemptions, including a complete waiver for houses up to 100 yards, a 50% discount for houses between 100 – 500 yards, and a 25% discount for 1,300 residential societies. These proposals were passed last month by AAP councilors but were rejected by MCD officials.
Currently, BJP has 117 councilors in the 238-member House, while AAP has 113 and Congress holds eight seats. With no party holding a clear majority, Congress councilors could play a decisive role in passing or blocking the budget.
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