Rekha Gupta Passes ₹1,03,700 Crore Delhi Budget, Accuses AAP of Financial Mismanagement

Delhi Chief Minister Rekha Gupta on Friday launched a sharp attack on the previous Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) government, alleging it left the national capital with a massive ₹47,000-crore debt burden. Addressing the Assembly during the Budget session, she stated that her administration inherited significant liabilities, with ₹27,547 crore still outstanding, and is now focused on managing finances with greater transparency and accountability.

Earlier this week, Gupta presented a ₹1,03,700 crore Budget for 2026–27, which was subsequently passed by the Delhi Assembly. The Budget places strong emphasis on infrastructure development, healthcare, education, green initiatives, and social welfare. Calling it development-oriented, she highlighted that it includes the highest capital expenditure in Delhi’s history, aimed at delivering tangible outcomes on the ground.

Taking a swipe at the opposition, Gupta accused AAP legislators of disrupting Assembly proceedings and avoiding meaningful debate. She said her government represents a “new way of working,” focused on execution rather than “excuses,” and reiterated that governance will prioritise delivery and measurable impact.

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On the fiscal front, Gupta said her government has exercised restraint in borrowing, utilising only 1.17% of the permitted 3% of Gross State Domestic Product (GSDP), at an interest rate of 7.4%. She also outlined multiple pending liabilities, including ₹3,700 crore in expressway dues, ₹9,087 crore in metro projects, over ₹2,000 crore in hospital works, and ₹1,031 crore linked to DMRC-PWD projects, many of which remain incomplete.

The Chief Minister further alleged financial mismanagement under the previous regime, citing losses of ₹99,000 crore in Delhi Transport Corporation and a ₹91,000 crore deficit in the Delhi Jal Board. She also pointed to issues such as inflated billing and delayed infrastructure projects as key concerns inherited by her administration.

Highlighting reforms and future plans, Gupta announced the launch of the CM Pragati Portal to monitor project implementation. Key initiatives include a ₹5,000 crore elevated road along the Munak canal, expansion of metro services, promotion of electric vehicles, and the declaration of 4,200 hectares of ridge land as forest area. She assured that pending dues for sportspersons, scholarships, and welfare schemes have been cleared.

Concluding her address, Gupta emphasised that every rupee will be accounted for and all pending projects will be completed. She stated that Delhi is now entering a phase of “transformation rather than confrontation,” with the government committed to efficient governance while navigating broader economic challenges.

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