Leader of the Opposition Atishi on Tuesday strongly criticized the Delhi Budget 2025-26, calling it a “Hawa-Hawai” (baseless) budget presented by the BJP-led government.
Atishi questioned the feasibility of the budget, arguing that the government has no clear revenue source to generate the proposed ₹1 lakh crore.
“If today’s budget, which the BJP has tabled in the House, is described in one word, then it is a ‘Hawa-Hawai’ budget. This ₹1 lakh crore budget has no basis. The Delhi government is not going to get ₹1 lakh crore revenue from anywhere,” Atishi said.
She also criticized the absence of the Economic Survey, which, she argued, would have provided a realistic assessment of Delhi’s financial situation.
Key Criticisms by Atishi:
📌 Education Budget Slashed to 19% (Lowest in 10 years)
“For the first time in 10 years, the education budget has gone below 20%. Only 19% budget has been allocated to education, which shows that the BJP intends to destroy the government school system in Delhi,” she said.
📌 Healthcare Budget Cut to 13%
“For the first time, the health budget has come down to just 13%. This shows that the BJP intends to end free treatment in government hospitals and mohalla clinics,” Atishi claimed.
📌 MCD Budget Reduced by ₹1500 Crore
“The BJP has reduced the MCD budget by ₹1500 crores to destroy the sanitation system in Delhi,” she added.
Rekha Gupta Defends Budget, Calls it ‘Historic’
In contrast, Delhi CM Rekha Gupta defended the budget, calling it a “historic step” towards making Delhi an investment and innovation-friendly city.
🔹 Budget increased by 31.58% – from ₹76,000 crore (2024-25) to ₹1 lakh crore (2025-26)
🔹 Focus areas: Education, Transport, Urban Development
“This is the biggest increase in any budget in the country. It will drive growth, development, and improve the quality of life for Delhi’s residents,” said CM Gupta.
Battle Over Budget Continues
While the BJP-led Delhi government touts this as a record-breaking budget, the Opposition (AAP) sees it as an attempt to undermine public education, healthcare, and civic amenities.
The political showdown over Delhi’s finances is expected to intensify in the coming weeks. 🚨